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The IRS Form 8962 is a crucial document for many taxpayers who have received premium tax credits for health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Understanding this form is essential, as it plays a key role in determining eligibility for these credits and calculating the amount you may need to repay or receive back on your taxes. Each year, individuals and families who purchased health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace must fill out Form 8962 to reconcile the advance premium tax credits received with their actual income. This process requires you to report your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) and compare it to the federal poverty line to ensure that you remain within the qualifying income limits. Additionally, the form includes sections for reporting the policy details, including the monthly premium amount and the number of months that you were enrolled, which helps to accurately establish your credit claim. If your income fluctuated during the year, completing this form accurately becomes even more essential, as underestimating your income could lead you to receive excess credits that must be repaid. In this article, we will explore each aspect of Form 8962 in detail to empower you with the knowledge needed to navigate this important tax requirement.

Form Sample

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)

Document Specifications

Fact Name Details
Purpose of Form 8962 Form 8962 is used to calculate the Premium Tax Credit, which helps eligible individuals and families pay for health insurance purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Eligibility Criteria To qualify for the Premium Tax Credit, your household income must fall between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level, depending on your family size.
Required Documents You will need Form 1095-A, which details your health coverage purchased through the Marketplace, in order to complete Form 8962 accurately.
Impact on Filing Filing Form 8962 may affect your overall tax return. If you’re eligible for a Premium Tax Credit, you can reduce your tax burden. If you fail to file, you may have to pay back part or all of your credits.
State-Specific Forms Some states may require additional state income tax forms to report health care coverage as per their own state laws.
Filing Deadline Form 8962 should be filed along with your federal income tax return, which is typically due on April 15 each year or the next business day if it falls on a weekend or holiday.
Common Mistakes Many taxpayers incorrectly input their 1095-A information, leading to delays or incorrect tax calculations. Accuracy is essential for smooth processing.

Steps to Filling Out IRS 8962

After gathering the necessary information for your IRS Form 8962, follow these steps to ensure accurate completion. This form requires specific details about your coverage and income to determine eligibility for premium tax credits. Accurate input will aid in compliance and facilitate any necessary adjustments to your tax filing.

  1. Obtain a copy of IRS Form 8962, which can be downloaded from the IRS website or included with your tax form package.
  2. Identify your household size. Record all individuals who are part of your tax household based on the requirements specified in the instructions.
  3. Fill in the 'Filer Information' section, including your name, Social Security number, and other requested details.
  4. Document your credit coverage month by month in Part II, listing each month you or your family members had qualifying health coverage.
  5. Complete Part III by reporting your annual household income. Use the information from your tax return to ensure accuracy.
  6. Calculate your premium tax credit amounts in Part IV, referencing the applicable figures from your Form 1095-A.
  7. Double-check all entries for accuracy and completeness, ensuring that all calculations are correct.
  8. Sign and date the form where indicated before submission.

After completing the form, keep a copy for your records and submit it alongside your tax return. Ensure you meet all deadlines to avoid penalties or delays in processing.

More About IRS 8962

What is the purpose of Form 8962?

Form 8962, Premium Tax Credit (PTC), is used to determine your eligibility for the premium tax credit, which helps lower the cost of health insurance purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace. If you received advance payments of the premium tax credit (APTC) to help pay for your insurance, you must file this form to reconcile those payments with your actual tax credit based on your annual income.

Who needs to file Form 8962?

If you had health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace at any point during the tax year and received advance payments to lower your monthly insurance premiums, you must file Form 8962. Even if you didn't receive advance payments, you can also file the form to claim the premium tax credit if your household income qualifies you for it.

How do I fill out Form 8962?

Filling out Form 8962 involves several steps. You will start with personal information, such as your name and Social Security number. Next, you’ll input details about your coverage and any advance payments you received. The form requires calculations to determine your actual premium tax credit based on your income and household size. Make sure to reference IRS guidelines or seek assistance to ensure accuracy.

What happens if I don’t file Form 8962?

Failure to file Form 8962 when required can lead to complications with your tax return. The IRS may deny your premium tax credit, which means you could owe a larger tax bill than expected. Additionally, if you received advance payments and fail to reconcile them, you may need to repay some or all of those payments based on your actual income.

Where can I find Form 8962?

Form 8962 can be found on the IRS website. It is available for download in PDF format. You can also access it through tax preparation software, which often includes the form as part of the filing process. Make sure to have the most current version, as tax laws and forms can change from year to year.

Common mistakes

  1. Incorrect Calculation of Premium Tax Credit (PTC): Taxpayers often miscalculate their PTC based on their expected annual income. Using outdated income information can lead to over- or under-reporting.

  2. Failure to Provide Required Information: Omitting essential data, such as household size or income details, results in incomplete forms. This can lead to delays or denials in tax credits.

  3. Data Entry Errors: Simple typos or transposed numbers can create significant issues. Check figures carefully before submission.

  4. Not Reporting All Sources of Income: Some people neglect to include all applicable income, such as self-employment earnings or other taxable sources, which can affect eligibility.

  5. Ignoring Changes in Circumstances: Life events such as job changes, marriage, or divorce can change tax credit eligibility. Failing to update this information can lead to inaccuracies.

  6. Not Understanding Shared Responsibility Payments: Individuals may misunderstand obligations regarding shared responsibility payments if they do not maintain minimum essential coverage throughout the year.

  7. Incomplete Yearly Reconciliation: Individuals often forget to reconcile the advance payments of the premium tax credit with their actual tax credits, leading to discrepancies.

  8. Using Incorrect Tax Year Information: Taxpayers sometimes fill out the form using information from a different tax year, which can lead to invalid calculations and claims.

Documents used along the form

When filing for premium tax credits through the IRS 8962 form, several other documents may be necessary to ensure a complete and accurate submission. These supportive documents provide vital information for determining eligibility and calculating the correct credit amount. Below is a list of forms and documents that are commonly used alongside the IRS 8962 form.

  • Form 1040: This is the individual income tax return form used by taxpayers to report their income, claim deductions, and calculate tax liabilities. The IRS 8962 is often attached to this form when claiming premium tax credits.
  • Form 1095-A: Issued by the Health Insurance Marketplace, this form provides information about the health insurance coverage you purchased, including details necessary for completing the IRS 8962 form.
  • Form 1095-B: This form is used to report minimum essential coverage. While not always required, it may be helpful in demonstrating your health coverage status and fulfilling tax obligations.
  • Form 1095-C: Employers who provide health insurance coverage issue this form to their employees. It details the health coverage offered and can supplement information provided on Form 1095-A.
  • Proof of income documents: These documents, such as pay stubs or W-2 forms, help verify your annual income, which is crucial for determining eligibility for premium tax credits.
  • Other tax forms: Depending on your situation, other tax-related documents may be useful for claiming various credits or deductions that could affect your overall tax return.
  • Health Coverage Filing Instructions: After gathering all necessary forms, following specific filing instructions is critical. These instructions guide how to accurately complete and submit all documents.

Gathering the right documents can streamline the filing process and reduce the likelihood of errors. Proper preparation will help ensure that your premium tax credits are accurately calculated and that you meet your tax obligations competently.

Similar forms

The IRS Form 8962, also known as the Premium Tax Credit (PTC) Form, shares similarities with the IRS Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement. Both documents are essential in determining eligibility for the premium tax credit. The 1095-A provides information about the health insurance coverage purchased through the marketplace, including the premiums paid and any advance payments of the premium tax credit. The taxpayers use this information when filling out Form 8962 to calculate their actual premium tax credit and reconcile it with any advance payments received. This relationship is crucial for ensuring that individuals receive the correct amount of tax credit based on their actual income and coverage details.

Another document akin to Form 8962 is Form 1040, the individual income tax return. While Form 1040 covers a broad range of income-related matters, Form 8962 specifically addresses the premium tax credit. Taxpayers include Form 8962 as an attachment to their 1040 when they have received advance premium tax credits. This association highlights the interconnectedness of various tax forms, as both forms ultimately contribute to determining the taxpayer's final tax liability or refund.

Form 1095-B, Health Coverage, also bears resemblance to Form 8962. The 1095-B conveys information regarding health coverage offered by insurance providers. Like Form 1095-A, it provides essential information that can help establish compliance with the Affordable Care Act’s requirement for individuals to have health coverage. While Form 1095-B does not directly affect the premium tax credit, it helps individuals understand their health coverage status, which can indirectly influence taxable income and the determination of credits.

IRS Form 8965, Health Coverage Exemptions, is another document that aligns with Form 8962. Form 8965 was used by taxpayers who qualified for a health coverage exemption, allowing them to avoid any penalties for not having health insurance. Though the two forms serve different purposes, they are both connected to the health coverage requirements established by the Affordable Care Act. Taxpayers may find themselves needing to use both forms in a single filing year, particularly if they qualify for a premium tax credit while also seeking an exemption.

Form 8862, Information to Claim Earned Income Credit After Disallowance, is somewhat similar in that both documents require specific information about tax credits. The 8862 form is necessary for taxpayers whose earned income tax credit (EITC) was previously denied and want to claim it again. Much like Form 8962, Form 8862 aims to ensure that individuals receive the appropriate credits based on qualifications. Both forms also emphasize the importance of accurate reporting to avoid errors that could result in disallowance of claimed credits.

Form 8888, Allocation of Refund, can also be viewed as similar in that it is filed during the tax return process. While it specifically deals with how a taxpayer wants to receive their refund, it is still closely associated with the overall tax credit process. For taxpayers who have reconciled their premium tax credit via Form 8962, using Form 8888 can streamline the receipt of their refund, showing the connection between tax credits and how individuals ultimately manage their returns.

Form 8863, Education Credits, is another relevant form when discussing tax credits. Taxpayers use Form 8863 to claim education credits related to higher education expenses, while Form 8962 is used for premium tax credits tied to health coverage. Both forms serve as mechanisms for taxpayers to reduce their tax liability, allowing them to take advantage of available credits based on their circumstances. This highlights the importance of understanding various credits available and ensures individuals are maximizing their benefits in different areas.

Finally, Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, is indirectly similar to Form 8962. Though it primarily reports wages and taxes withheld, the information on a W-2 can influence eligibility for premium tax credits. Taxpayers use their W-2s to report income when filling out Form 8962 and determining their eligibility for the premium tax credit. The interplay between these documents illustrates the intricacies of the tax system and highlights how income reporting affects eligibility for various credits.

Dos and Don'ts

When completing IRS Form 8962, which is used to calculate the Premium Tax Credit, it's essential to be careful to ensure accuracy and compliance. Here are some tips on what to do and what to avoid:

  • Do double-check your personal information, including Social Security numbers for all family members listed.
  • Don't ignore the income limits for eligibility. Make sure your household income falls within the required range.
  • Do use the provided instructions from the IRS as a guide to help you fill out the form correctly.
  • Don't leave any fields blank. If a particular section doesn't apply, indicate that with “N/A” or zero, as appropriate.
  • Do ensure that your health coverage information is accurate, including the months you had coverage.
  • Don't mix tax years. Only report health coverage and income relevant to the tax year you are filing for.
  • Do track any changes in household size or income that may occur during the year. This can affect your premium tax credit.
  • Don't forget to sign and date the form before submission. An unsigned form can be considered invalid.

By following this list, you can navigate Form 8962 with greater confidence and clarity, ensuring that you take advantage of your entitled credits effectively.

Misconceptions

  • The IRS 8962 form is only for low-income earners.

    This is a misconception. The form applies to anyone who received premium tax credits to help pay for health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace, regardless of their income level.

  • You only need to file the IRS 8962 if you received a Form 1095-A.

    This is partly true, but not entirely. While Form 1095-A indicates that you received health coverage from the Marketplace, you must also file Form 8962 to reconcile any premium tax credits received.

  • If you didn’t use the Marketplace, you don’t need to worry about Form 8962.

    This is correct. If you did not utilize the Health Insurance Marketplace to purchase insurance, then you do not need to file Form 8962.

  • Form 8962 can be filed with your tax return at a later date.

    This is misleading. Form 8962 must be filed along with your tax return. Failing to do so can delay your refund or create issues with your tax filings.

  • There’s no penalty for not filing Form 8962.

    This is a misconception. If you are required to file Form 8962 and fail to do so, the IRS may disallow your premium tax credit, which could result in a higher tax liability.

  • Filing Form 8962 is complicated and requires a tax professional.

    This is not necessarily true. While the form can be detailed, many taxpayers can complete it on their own, especially if they understand their health coverage details and tax situations.

  • Once you file Form 8962, your tax issues are resolved.

    This can be an oversimplification. Filing Form 8962 reconciles your premium tax credits, but it does not necessarily resolve other tax issues you may face. Always review your entire tax situation.

Key takeaways

  • The IRS 8962 form is used to claim the Premium Tax Credit (PTC) for health insurance purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
  • To complete the form, individuals must provide information about their household size and annual household income.
  • Applicants must report any advance payments of the Premium Tax Credit received throughout the tax year.
  • Accurate completion of the form is essential to avoid potential tax liabilities or delays in processing.
  • Understanding the difference between the amount of credit used in advance and the actual credit calculated on your tax return is important.
  • Filing the IRS 8962 is a requirement for anyone who received advance PTC payments, ensuring compliance with tax obligations.
  • If someone did not receive advance payments, they can still file this form to claim any eligible Premium Tax Credit they qualify for.
  • Be prepared to provide additional documentation if the IRS requests verification of income or other details related to the form.