Quick Fix Summary
You don’t mail the 1095-A to the IRS. Grab the numbers from it to fill out Form 8962 on your 2025 federal return. Tax software users can usually import the form or type in Part II lines 12–33 exactly as shown.
What’s Happening
Form 1095-A is the “Health Insurance Marketplace Statement” every household with an advance premium-tax-credit (APTC) plan gets from Healthcare.gov or a state exchange. HealthCare.gov The form shows each month’s premium, APTC paid, and the benchmark “second-lowest-cost silver plan” (SLCSP) used to calculate your credit. IRS Form 1095-A instructions, 2025 You only need it if someone in your tax household got APTC and you’ll file Form 8962 to settle up the advance against the real credit based on your final 2025 income.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Locate your 1095-A
- By mid-January 2026 it’ll be waiting in your HealthCare.gov account under Documents → Tax Forms.
- Paper copies go out to the primary filer by mid-February 2026.
- If it’s nowhere to be found, call the Marketplace at 1-800-318-2596 or open a case in your account.
- Open your 2025 tax return
- Desktop software: File → Open Return → 2025
- Online: Sign in, pick Start 2025 Return
- Enter Part II of 1095-A into Form 8962
- Line 12–23 (Monthly Premium and APTC) – Copy each month’s Premium Amount and APTC Amount exactly as printed.
- Line 24 (SLCSP Premium) – Use the monthly SLCSP premium (column (d)).
- Line 33 (Annual APTC) – That’s the total of your monthly APTC (column (c)).
- Reconcile on Form 8962
- Your software will figure the gap between APTC received (line 33) and the credit you actually qualify for once your 2025 income is final.
- If APTC > actual credit, the extra may need to be paid back (limits apply). IRS ACA reconciliation rules, 2025
- If actual credit > APTC, the difference comes back as a refundable credit.
- File the return
- E-filing is mandatory if you received APTC. IRS filing options, 2025
- Paper filers can mail it in—just don’t include a copy of the 1095-A.
If This Didn’t Work
Option 1: Import the JSON file
- Download the JSON copy from HealthCare.gov (Documents → Tax Forms → Download).
- In most programs: Deductions & Credits → Import → JSON and pick the file.
Option 2: Use the Marketplace reprint
- Misplaced the original? Log in and reprint it under Documents & Tax Forms.
- Compare the new copy with any old PDF or mailed letter to make sure everything matches.
Option 3: Manual override (last resort)
- If the software balks at importing, type the numbers straight into Form 8962 Part II.
- Triple-check column (a) dates, column (c) APTC, and column (d) SLCSP premium for every month.
- Save screenshots—just in case the IRS sends a math-error notice.
Prevention Tips
Update your income promptly
- Tell the Marketplace about big life changes (job loss, marriage, new baby) within 30 days. HealthCare.gov change reporting
- That way you’re less likely to owe a surprise repayment when you file.
Keep digital copies
- As soon as the 1095-A PDF and JSON show up, download and save them.
- Tuck them in a folder called “2025 Tax Forms” with your other 2025 paperwork.
Use IRS Free File Fillable Forms
- Single filers under $79,000 or joint filers under $158,000 (2026 limits) can enter Form 8962 by hand and e-file for free. IRS Free File Fillable Forms
The IRS will send you Letter 6183 or Letter 6184 by early February 2026 if you had 2025 coverage through a Marketplace. IRS homepage
