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The IRS Form 8962, officially known as the Premium Tax Credit form, plays a crucial role in determining eligibility for the premium tax credits available under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Individuals and families who purchased health insurance through a Health Insurance Marketplace may need to submit this form to calculate their entitlement to these credits. The information provided on Form 8962 helps taxpayers reconcile the amount of advance premium tax credits received throughout the year with the actual premium tax credit they are eligible for based on their annual income and household size. This reconciliation process is vital to ensuring that taxpayers receive the correct benefits and can lead to either a refund or additional tax liability depending on their circumstances. Additionally, the form prompts taxpayers to report essential details regarding their health coverage, such as the start and end dates of coverage, which can affect the calculation of credits. Properly completing Form 8962 is a step toward ensuring compliance with tax obligations while also taking advantage of available health care subsidies, providing peace of mind during the often-overwhelming tax filing season.

IRS 8962 Example

Form 8962

Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service

Name shown on your return

Premium Tax Credit (PTC)

Attach to Form 1040, 1040-SR, or 1040-NR.

Go to www.irs.gov/Form8962 for instructions and the latest information.

Your social security number

OMB No. 1545-0074

2020

Attachment Sequence No. 73

You cannot take the PTC if your filing status is married filing separately unless you qualify for an exception. See instructions. If you qualify, check the box . .

Part I

Annual and Monthly Contribution Amount

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

Tax family size. Enter your tax family size. See instructions

1

 

 

2a

Modified AGI. Enter your modified AGI. See instructions . . .

. . . . . .

2a

 

 

 

 

b

Enter the total of your dependents’ modified AGI. See instructions

. . . . . .

2b

 

 

 

 

3

Household income. Add the amounts on lines 2a and 2b. See instructions

3

 

 

4

Federal poverty line. Enter the federal poverty line amount from Table 1-1, 1-2, or 1-3. See instructions. Check the

 

 

 

 

appropriate box for the federal poverty table used. a

Alaska

b

Hawaii c

Other 48 states and DC

4

 

 

5

Household income as a percentage of federal poverty line (see instructions)

5

 

%

6

Did you enter 401% on line 5? (See instructions if you entered less than 100%.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No. Continue to line 7.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes. You are not eligible to take the PTC. If advance payment of the PTC was made, see the instructions for

 

 

 

 

 

how to report your excess advance PTC repayment amount.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

Applicable figure. Using your line 5 percentage, locate your “applicable figure” on the table in the instructions . .

7

 

 

8a

Annual contribution amount. Multiply line 3 by

8a

 

 

b Monthly contribution amount. Divide line 8a

8b

 

 

 

line 7. Round to nearest whole dollar amount

 

 

 

by 12. Round to nearest whole dollar amount

 

 

Part II

Premium Tax Credit Claim and Reconciliation of Advance Payment of Premium Tax Credit

 

9Are you allocating policy amounts with another taxpayer or do you want to use the alternative calculation for year of marriage? See instructions.

Yes. Skip to Part IV, Allocation of Policy Amounts, or Part V, Alternative Calculation for Year of Marriage.

No. Continue to line 10.

10See the instructions to determine if you can use line 11 or must complete lines 12 through 23.

Yes. Continue to line 11. Compute your annual PTC. Then skip lines 12–23 and continue to line 24.

No. Continue to lines 12–23. Compute your monthly PTC and continue to line 24.

Annual

(a) Annual enrollment

(b) Annual applicable

(c) Annual

(d) Annual maximum

(e) Annual premium tax

(f) Annual advance

SLCSP premium

premium assistance

premiums (Form(s)

contribution amount

credit allowed

payment of PTC (Form(s)

Calculation

(Form(s) 1095-A,

(subtract (c) from (b); if

1095-A, line 33A)

(line 8a)

(smaller of (a) or (d))

1095-A, line 33C)

 

line 33B)

zero or less, enter -0-)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11Annual Totals

 

(a) Monthly enrollment

(b) Monthly applicable

(c) Monthly

(d) Monthly maximum

 

(f) Monthly advance

 

contribution amount

(e) Monthly premium tax

Monthly

premiums (Form(s)

SLCSP premium

premium assistance

payment of PTC (Form(s)

Calculation

1095-A, lines 21–32,

(Form(s) 1095-A, lines

(amount from line 8b

(subtract (c) from (b); if

credit allowed

1095-A, lines 21–32,

or alternative marriage

(smaller of (a) or (d))

 

column A)

21–32, column B)

zero or less, enter -0-)

column C)

 

monthly calculation)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12January

13February

14March

15April

16May

17June

18July

19August

20September

21October

22November

23December

24

Total premium tax credit. Enter the amount from line 11(e) or add lines 12(e) through 23(e) and enter the total here

24

25

Advance payment of PTC. Enter the amount from line 11(f) or add lines 12(f) through 23(f) and enter the total here

25

26Net premium tax credit. If line 24 is greater than line 25, subtract line 25 from line 24. Enter the difference here and

 

on Schedule 3 (Form 1040), line 8. If line 24 equals line 25, enter -0-. Stop here. If line 25 is greater than line 24,

 

 

leave this line blank and continue to line 27

26

Part III

Repayment of Excess Advance Payment of the Premium Tax Credit

 

27

Excess advance payment of PTC. If line 25 is greater than line 24, subtract line 24 from line 25. Enter the difference here

27

28

Repayment limitation (see instructions)

28

29Excess advance premium tax credit repayment. Enter the smaller of line 27 or line 28 here and on Schedule 2

(Form 1040), line 2

29

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see your tax return instructions.

Cat. No. 37784Z

Form 8962 (2020)

Form 8962 (2020)

Page 2

Part IV

Allocation of Policy Amounts

 

Complete the following information for up to four policy amount allocations. See instructions for allocation details.

Allocation 1

30(a) Policy Number (Form 1095-A, line 2)

(b)SSN of other taxpayer

(c)Allocation start month

(d)Allocation stop month

Allocation percentage applied to monthly amounts

(e)Premium Percentage

(f)SLCSP Percentage

(g)Advance Payment of the PTC Percentage

Allocation 2

31(a) Policy Number (Form 1095-A, line 2)

(b)SSN of other taxpayer

(c)Allocation start month

(d)Allocation stop month

Allocation percentage applied to monthly amounts

(e)Premium Percentage

(f)SLCSP Percentage

(g)Advance Payment of the PTC Percentage

Allocation 3

32(a) Policy Number (Form 1095-A, line 2)

(b)SSN of other taxpayer

(c)Allocation start month

(d)Allocation stop month

Allocation percentage applied to monthly amounts

(e)Premium Percentage

(f)SLCSP Percentage

(g)Advance Payment of the PTC Percentage

Allocation 4

33(a) Policy Number (Form 1095-A, line 2)

(b)SSN of other taxpayer

(c)Allocation start month

(d)Allocation stop month

Allocation percentage applied to monthly amounts

(e)Premium Percentage

(f)SLCSP Percentage

(g)Advance Payment of the PTC Percentage

34Have you completed all policy amount allocations?

Yes. Multiply the amounts on Form 1095-A by the allocation percentages entered by policy. Add all allocated policy amounts and non- allocated policy amounts from Forms 1095-A, if any, to compute a combined total for each month. Enter the combined total for each month on lines 12–23, columns (a), (b), and (f). Compute the amounts for lines 12–23, columns (c)–(e), and continue to line 24.

No. See the instructions to report additional policy amount allocations.

Part V Alternative Calculation for Year of Marriage

Complete line(s) 35 and/or 36 to elect the alternative calculation for year of marriage. For eligibility to make the election, see the instructions for line 9. To complete line(s) 35 and/or 36 and compute the amounts for lines 12–23, see the instructions for this Part V.

35

Alternative entries

(a)

Alternative family size

(b) Alternative monthly

(c)

Alternative start month

(d)

Alternative stop month

 

 

contribution amount

 

 

 

 

 

for your SSN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

36

Alternative entries

(a)

Alternative family size

(b) Alternative monthly

(c)

Alternative start month

(d)

Alternative stop month

 

 

contribution amount

 

 

 

 

 

for your spouse’s

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SSN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Form 8962 (2020)

File Breakdown

Fact Name Description
Purpose The IRS Form 8962 is used to calculate the Premium Tax Credit, which helps eligible individuals and families pay for health insurance coverage purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Eligibility To qualify for the Premium Tax Credit, you must meet certain income requirements and cannot be eligible for affordable coverage through your employer or government programs like Medicaid.
Filing Requirement If you received premium assistance through the Health Insurance Marketplace, you must complete and file Form 8962 with your tax return.
State-Specific Forms Some states may have additional or different requirements for health coverage. It's important to check local laws that may affect your tax situation.
Submission Deadline Form 8962 must be submitted by the tax filing deadline, typically April 15 of the following year, unless you file for an extension.
Impact of Errors Errors on Form 8962 can lead to delays in processing your tax return or adjustments in your Premium Tax Credit amount, so accuracy is crucial.

Guide to Using IRS 8962

After gathering all necessary information, you'll be ready to begin filling out Form 8962. This form will help you calculate your Premium Tax Credit and reconcile it with any advance payments you might have received. You'll need your tax return, Form 1095-A, and other relevant financial information. Follow these steps to ensure your form is accurate and complete.

  1. Start with your personal information at the top of the form. This includes your name, Social Security number, and tax year.
  2. Enter the information from your Form 1095-A. This form provides details about your health insurance coverage and should be referenced throughout the process.
  3. Calculate the annual premium for each month. Use the information from your Form 1095-A to determine the appropriate amounts.
  4. Next, determine if you were eligible for the Premium Tax Credit by checking your household income and other eligibility criteria.
  5. Complete the Part II section by calculating the actual Premium Tax Credit based on your eligibility and income level.
  6. In Part III, reconcile any advance payment of the premium tax credit. This step ensures you correctly align what was paid with what you actually qualify for.
  7. Review all calculations and finalize your entries. Make sure all entries are accurate and all required fields have been filled.
  8. Sign and date the form at the bottom before submitting it with your tax return.

Once finished, keep a copy for your records and submit the form as part of your tax filing process. Remember to check for any updates or changes in regulations that may affect your submission.

Get Answers on IRS 8962

What is Form 8962 and why is it important?

Form 8962, officially known as the Premium Tax Credit (PTC) form, is a document utilized by taxpayers to calculate their eligibility for and the amount of the premium tax credit. This credit is crucial for eligible individuals and families who obtain health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. By filling out this form, taxpayers can reconcile the advance payments made on their behalf to cover health insurance premiums, ensuring they receive the correct amount of tax credit based on their actual income.

Who needs to file Form 8962?

Taxpayers who received advance premium tax credits to help pay for health insurance purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace are required to file Form 8962. Additionally, those who had coverage through the Marketplace for any part of the tax year and wish to claim the premium tax credit must also complete this form. It is essential for these individuals to report their income accurately and reconcile any advance payments they received.

What information is needed to complete Form 8962?

To accurately fill out Form 8962, individuals should gather the following information:

  • The Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement, which details the amount of the advance payments received and the coverage provided.
  • Your household income information, including adjusted gross income and the number of individuals in your household.
  • Any other relevant tax documents that may affect your eligibility for the premium tax credit.

This information enables taxpayers to provide an accurate account of their situation, thereby ensuring a correct calculation of the tax credit.

What happens if I do not file Form 8962?

If an individual who is required to file Form 8962 fails to do so, it may have significant consequences. The IRS may deny the premium tax credit, leading to an unexpected tax liability. Additionally, a failure to file the form could delay the processing of that person's tax refund. To avoid these repercussions, it is essential to complete and submit Form 8962 alongside your federal income tax return when necessary.

How do I file Form 8962?

Form 8962 can be filed electronically or via paper. Taxpayers opting for electronic filing can use tax software, which typically includes guidance for completing the form. For those who prefer paper filing, Form 8962 can be downloaded from the IRS website. After filling it out, you should submit it with your tax return, generally by the deadline for that tax year. Ensuring accuracy in completing the form is critical for a smooth filing process.

Common mistakes

Filling out the IRS Form 8962 can be a complex process, and many individuals make common mistakes that can lead to delays or rejections. One frequent mistake is incorrect information regarding the premium tax credit. It is essential to ensure that the number of months enrolled in a Qualified Health Plan is accurately reflected. A mismatch between this figure and the enrollment records can result in a denial of the tax credit.

Another common error occurs when taxpayers fail to reconcile their advance payments of the premium tax credit. For those who received premium tax credits in advance, it is crucial to report the actual figures accurately. Not doing so can create discrepancies that may prompt the IRS to request additional information or even pursue an audit.

Additionally, people often overlook the need to include all necessary documentation. The Form 8962 requires taxpayers to attach a copy of Form 1095-A, which provides details about their health insurance coverage. Without the 1095-A, the IRS cannot verify the eligibility and may deny the credit altogether.

A fourth mistake is not checking income thresholds correctly. The premium tax credit is based on household income and can be affected by various factors such as dependents and filing status. Miscalculating household income can lead to submitting an incorrect credit claim.

Furthermore, individuals sometimes fail to account for changes in their circumstances throughout the year. For example, if someone’s income fluctuated or their household size changed, this must be reported accurately on Form 8962. Ignoring such changes can result in penalties or issues with the IRS.

Finally, some taxpayers neglect to sign and date the form before submission. An unsigned form cannot be processed, leading to delays and additional hassle. Taking the time to double-check both the completion and the signatures on Form 8962 is vital to ensure a smooth filing process.

Documents used along the form

When it comes to filing taxes, especially for those who have received premium tax credits, several forms and documents may accompany the IRS Form 8962. Each document plays a critical role in ensuring that your tax return is complete and accurate, helping to secure the benefits you are entitled to. Below are other forms and documents that are commonly used alongside the IRS 8962 form.

  • Form 1040: This is the standard individual tax return form that taxpayers use to report their income, calculate their taxes, and claim any credits or deductions.
  • Form 1095-A: This document is provided by the Health Insurance Marketplace and details the coverage you had, any premium tax credits received, and months of coverage.
  • Form 1095-B: This form is used to report health coverage that satisfies the Affordable Care Act's requirements. It provides proof of coverage for tax purposes.
  • Form 1095-C: Employers may provide this form to show health coverage offered to full-time employees. It is especially relevant for large employers.
  • Form 8965: Although it's no longer required, this form was used to claim a health coverage exemption under the Affordable Care Act. However, understanding it may still be beneficial.
  • Schedule 3 (Form 1040): This schedule is used to report non-refundable credits. It may play a role in calculating your tax obligation in conjunction with the 8962 form.
  • Form W-2: This form reports your annual wages and the taxes withheld from your paycheck. It is crucial for filling out your tax return accurately.
  • Form 8862: This document is used to claim the Earned Income Credit after it has been denied in the past. It may be relevant if you're qualifying for multiple credits.

Careful attention to each of these documents can help streamline your tax filing experience. It is crucial to ensure all relevant forms are accurately filled out and submitted, as they collectively support your eligibility for premium credits and other deductions. By staying organized, you can navigate the tax process with confidence and clarity.

Similar forms

  • Form 1040: This is the individual income tax return form. Both Form 8962 and Form 1040 report information related to tax liabilities and credits. Form 8962 is specifically used to claim the Premium Tax Credit based on information reported in Form 1040.
  • Form 1095-A: This form is the Health Insurance Marketplace Statement. It provides details about health coverage obtained through the marketplace. For taxpayers, the information from Form 1095-A is essential when completing Form 8962 to calculate the Premium Tax Credit.
  • Schedule A (Form 1040): This schedule details itemized deductions. While Form 8962 focuses on tax credits, both forms require accurate financial data to determine the taxpayer’s overall tax obligation.
  • Form 8862: Used to claim the Earned Income Credit after prior disallowance. Similar to Form 8962, it helps report specific financial circumstances to regain tax benefits previously lost.
  • Form 8880: This form is for the Credit for Qualified Retirement Savings Contributions. Like Form 8962, it is used to claim tax credits aimed at reducing the tax burden based on specific qualifying criteria.
  • Schedule C (Form 1040): This is for reporting profit or loss from business. While Form 8962 focuses on health coverage, both forms can impact the calculation of tax credits or liabilities for self-employed individuals.
  • Form 5329: This form pertains to Additional Taxes on Qualified Plans (including IRAs) and Other Tax-Favored Accounts. It serves to calculate additional taxes, paralleling how Form 8962 calculates tax credits under specific conditions.
  • Form 8863: This is for Education Credits (American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning Credits). Both it and Form 8962 are designed to assist taxpayers in claiming credits that reduce tax liabilities based on specific situations.
  • Form 8888: This form is for Direct Deposit of Refund to More Than One Account. While forms serve different purposes, both simplify the end-of-year tax process by allowing for better financial management.
  • Form 4506-T: This form is Request for Transcript of Tax Return. Similar to Form 8962, it can be pivotal when reviewing past tax filings or use for future tax credits, ensuring accuracy in one’s tax situation.

Dos and Don'ts

Here are ten essential tips for completing the IRS 8962 form accurately:

  1. Do ensure you have all necessary documentation, including Form 1095-A.
  2. Don't rush through the form; take your time to avoid mistakes.
  3. Do carefully calculate your household size based on IRS guidelines.
  4. Don't assume your premium tax credit is the same every year; check for changes.
  5. Do double-check the information from your 1095-A matches what you enter.
  6. Don't leave any sections blank; all relevant fields must be filled out.
  7. Do read all instructions provided with the form to understand the requirements.
  8. Don't forget to sign and date the form before submission.
  9. Do use the correct tax year for the information you provide.
  10. Don't hesitate to seek help if you're unsure about any part of the process.

Following these tips will help ensure your IRS 8962 form is filled out correctly and submitted on time.

Misconceptions

The IRS Form 8962, also known as the Premium Tax Credit (PTC) form, often generates confusion among taxpayers. Below are ten common misconceptions about this form, each explained for clarity.

  • The 8962 form is only for low-income individuals. This is not entirely true. While the form is primarily used by those who purchase health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace and qualify for the Premium Tax Credit, anyone who wants to claim this credit must submit it, regardless of their income level.
  • Filing Form 8962 is optional. Many believe that filing this form is optional if they receive a PTC. In reality, if you received advance payments of the premium tax credit, you are required to file Form 8962 with your tax return to reconcile those payments.
  • Anyone can claim the Premium Tax Credit. The Premium Tax Credit is only available to eligible individuals who meet specific criteria, such as household size and income. Not everyone can claim this tax credit.
  • Form 8962 is only necessary for federal tax returns. This misconception overlooks state tax implications. While Form 8962 is primarily for federal tax purposes, some states may have similar requirements and forms to reconcile any state-level premium tax credits.
  • Filing Form 8962 guarantees you a refund. Although you may be eligible for the Premium Tax Credit, it does not automatically mean you will receive a refund. Your overall tax situation will determine whether you owe taxes or are due for a refund.
  • You can file Form 8962 without any documentation. To file this form accurately, you need documentation, especially your Form 1095-A, which provides information about your health insurance coverage and the amount of PTC.
  • The form must be filed every year. While individuals who receive advance payments of the premium tax credit must file Form 8962 regularly, those who do not have any advance payments or do not want to claim the credit can skip it in future years.
  • Failure to file Form 8962 results in just a penalty. Not filing the form when required can lead to a denial of the Premium Tax Credit, which can affect your overall tax liability significantly, beyond just incurring penalties.
  • Only tax professionals can help with Form 8962. While tax professionals can provide valuable assistance, many resources are available for individuals who want to understand and complete the form on their own.
  • Form 8962 is the same every year. Tax laws and regulations can change, affecting how Form 8962 is completed. Taxpayers should review the form every year to be aware of any changes that may impact them.

Understanding these misconceptions can lead to smoother interactions with the IRS and ensure taxpayers are taking full advantage of their rights and obligations regarding health insurance and taxes.

Key takeaways

Filling out and using the IRS 8962 form can seem daunting, but understanding the process can simplify your experience. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

  • The IRS 8962 form is required if you are claiming the Premium Tax Credit, which helps lower your monthly health insurance premiums.
  • You must file the form if you purchased insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace and wish to reconcile any advance payments made on your behalf.
  • Collect necessary documents beforehand, such as Form 1095-A, which provides essential information about your health coverage.
  • Be mindful of the filing deadlines. Submitting the form on time is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure that you receive your credit.
  • Carefully follow the instructions on the form to accurately report your household income and the number of people in your household.
  • If you find the form confusing, assistance is available through IRS resources, tax professionals, or community programs aimed at helping with tax filing.

Completing the IRS 8962 form accurately can lead to significant savings on your healthcare costs. Approach the task methodically, and seek help when needed to make the process smoother.