Quick answer
No. Since 2019, there’s been no federal penalty for going without health insurance, so you don’t have to prove coverage on your federal tax return. The big exception: if you had a marketplace plan with advance premium tax credits, you must file Form 8962 using your Form 1095-A. Residents of California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island and DC may also have to report coverage on their state returns.
Key takeaways
- There’s no federal proof-of-coverage requirement or penalty.
- If you got advance premium tax credits, you must file a return and Form 8962, or you’ll lose that help in future years. See do you have to pay back your premium tax credit.
- Starting with 2026 coverage, there’s no cap on paying back extra tax credits.
- Forms 1095-B and 1095-C are for your records; you don’t need them to file.
- Five places have their own coverage mandates with state tax penalties: CA, MA, NJ, RI and DC.
On this page
The health insurance tax forms
| Form | Who sends it | Do you need it to file? |
|---|---|---|
| 1095-A | The marketplace, if anyone in your household had a marketplace plan | Yes, if you got advance tax credits or want to claim the credit |
| 1095-B | Insurers and government programs like Medicaid, CHIP and Medicare | No. Keep it for your records |
| 1095-C | Employers with 50 or more full-time employees | No. Keep it for your records |
If you had a marketplace plan
Your Form 1095-A shows your premiums and any advance tax credits paid to your insurer. You use it to fill out Form 8962, which compares the credit you got during the year with the credit you qualify for based on your actual income.
- If your income was lower than you estimated, you may get more credit back as a refund.
- If your income was higher, you’ll pay back the extra. Starting with 2026 coverage, there’s no cap on the repayment. See what happens if you under-report your income.
- If you don’t file, you won’t be able to get advance tax credits in future years.
Wait for an accurate 1095-A before you file. If yours is wrong, ask the marketplace for a corrected form. For more on how the credit works, see what a subsidy is in health insurance.
States with their own mandates
California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island and the District of Columbia require residents to have coverage. If you live in one of them, your state tax return may ask about your coverage, and you could owe a penalty unless you qualify for an exemption. Your insurer, employer or state marketplace usually sends the forms you need.
Other health-related tax forms
- Form 8889 if you or your employer put money in a health savings account. See what an HSA is.
- Form 7206 for the self-employed health insurance deduction. See health insurance for the self-employed and is health insurance tax-deductible.
Children covered by Medicaid or CHIP may get a 1095-B, which you just keep with your records. See health insurance for children.
Shopping for coverage with a tax credit? Compare plans by ZIP code.
Frequently asked questions
Is there still a tax penalty for not having health insurance?
Not federally. California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island and DC have their own penalties.
I didn’t get a Form 1095-A. What should I do?
Log in to your HealthCare.gov or state marketplace account to download it, or contact the marketplace. Don’t file without it if you had advance tax credits.
Do I need my 1095-C to file my taxes?
No. Keep it with your records.
Sources
This article is general information, not tax advice. Talk with a tax professional about your situation. Last reviewed September 2026.