Have you ever been knee-deep in your tax return, diligently entering all your information into TurboTax, only to be stopped dead in your tracks by a pesky 1095-A error? It's a common and frustrating experience, especially when you're trying to get your taxes filed efficiently. But don't despair! This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how to fix a 1095-A error in TurboTax, step by step, so you can conquer your tax season with confidence.
Understanding the 1095-A Form and Its Importance
Before we dive into fixing errors, let's quickly review what the Form 1095-A is and why it's so crucial for your tax return.
The Form 1095-A, officially known as the Health Insurance Marketplace Statement, is a document you receive if you purchased health insurance through a Health Insurance Marketplace (also known as an exchange) established under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This form provides essential details about your health coverage, including:
Monthly premiums paid: The amount you paid for your health insurance each month.
Second-Lowest Cost Silver Plan (SLCSP) premium: This is a benchmark premium used to calculate your Premium Tax Credit.
Advance payments of the Premium Tax Credit (APTC): If you received financial assistance to help pay your premiums throughout the year, this amount will be listed here.
The information on Form 1095-A is vital because it's used to reconcile any advance payments of the Premium Tax Credit you received with the actual Premium Tax Credit you're eligible for based on your final income. Without accurately entering this information, your tax return will likely be rejected by the IRS.
Common Reasons for 1095-A Errors in TurboTax
Errors related to Form 1095-A in TurboTax usually stem from one of a few common issues:
Missing or Incorrect Form 1095-A: You might not have received your form, or the information on the form you have is incorrect.
Incorrect Data Entry: This is the most frequent culprit. Small typos, misinterpretations of the form, or entering zeros where blanks are required can trigger errors.
Mismatch with IRS Records: The IRS has its own copy of your 1095-A. If the information you enter doesn't match their records, your e-file will be rejected.
Leaving Blank Fields as Zeros: A common TurboTax specific issue is entering "0" for months where a box on the 1095-A is blank. If a box is blank on your 1095-A for a certain month, it should be left blank in TurboTax, not entered as zero.
Issues with the Second-Lowest Cost Silver Plan (SLCSP) premium: This particular figure in Column B is often a source of confusion or errors if it's missing or incorrect on your form.
Now, let's get to fixing it!
Step 1: Don't Panic! And First, Understand the Error Message
Alright, deep breath! The first thing to do when you encounter a 1095-A error in TurboTax is not to panic. These errors are often resolvable with a bit of careful attention.
Take a moment to carefully read the error message that TurboTax is displaying. Is it a general "fix errors on this page" message, or does it specify a particular field or reason for the error, like "must be greater than $0" or "Form 8962 missing"? Understanding the specific nature of the error will guide your troubleshooting.
Sub-heading: Clearing Your Browser Cache and Cookies
Sometimes, the error isn't with your data, but with a temporary glitch in the TurboTax software or your browser. Before diving into data correction, it's always a good first step to clear your browser's cache and cookies. This can resolve various technical hiccups.
For Google Chrome:
Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner.
Go to More tools > Clear Browse data.
Select a Time range (e.g., "All time").
Check Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
Click Clear data.
For Mozilla Firefox:
Click the three horizontal lines in the top right corner.
Go to History > Clear Recent History.
Select a Time range to clear (e.g., "Everything").
Check Cookies and Cache.
Click OK.
For Microsoft Edge:
Click the three horizontal dots in the top right corner.
Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
Under Clear Browse data, click Choose what to clear.
Select a Time range.
Check Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
Click Clear now.
For Apple Safari (Mac):
Go to Safari > Preferences > Privacy.
Click Manage Website Data... and then Remove All.
Then, go to Safari > Clear History... and select the desired time range.
After clearing, close and reopen your browser, then log back into TurboTax and try to revisit the 1095-A section.
Step 2: Locating and Accessing the 1095-A Section in TurboTax
To fix the error, you need to get back to the right place in TurboTax. Here's how to navigate to the 1095-A entry section:
Sub-heading: Using the Search Function (Quickest Method)
This is often the fastest way to get where you need to be.
While in your TurboTax return, locate the Search box (usually in the upper right corner of the program screen).
Type "1095-A" (without quotes) into the search box.
Press Enter or click the "Jump to 1095-A" link that appears. This should take you directly to the relevant interview section.
Sub-heading: Navigating Manually (Alternative Method)
If the search function isn't working for some reason, you can find the section manually:
Click on Federal Taxes (or Personal if you're using TurboTax Home & Business) in the left-hand menu.
Then, select Deductions & Credits.
You might see an option like "I'll choose what I work on" – if so, click that.
Scroll down to the Medical section.
Look for Affordable Care Act (Form 1095-A) and click the Start or Update button next to it.
Step 3: Verifying and Correcting Your 1095-A Data Entry
This is where the magic happens – meticulously comparing your physical Form 1095-A to what you've entered in TurboTax. This step requires precision.
Sub-heading: Line-by-Line Comparison
Go through each box and column on your physical Form 1095-A and compare it to what you have entered in TurboTax. Pay close attention to:
Part I - Policy Holder Information:
Name and SSN: Ensure your name and Social Security Number (SSN) are entered exactly as they appear on the 1095-A. If you're filing jointly, ensure both names and SSNs are correct if they appear on the form.
Marketplace Identifier and Policy Number: Double-check these numbers.
Part II - Covered Individuals:
Names and SSNs: Confirm that all individuals covered under the policy are listed with their correct names and SSNs.
Months Covered: Ensure the months each individual was covered are accurately reflected.
Part III - Household Information and Premium Amounts: This is the most common area for errors.
Column A: Monthly Enrollment Premiums: Enter the amounts exactly as they appear on your 1095-A.
Column B: Monthly Second-Lowest Cost Silver Plan (SLCSP) Premium: This is often a trouble spot.
Crucial Rule: If a month has a blank or "0.00" in Column B on your physical 1095-A, you must leave it blank in TurboTax. Do NOT enter a zero. Entering a zero when the original form is blank is a frequent cause of errors and incorrect tax credit calculations.
If Column B is blank or zero for months you had coverage, you may need to obtain the correct SLCSP premium from your Health Insurance Marketplace's website or by calling them. Many Marketplaces have an online tool to help you find this.
Column C: Monthly Advance Payment of Premium Tax Credit: Enter these amounts precisely. If a month has a blank or "0.00" in Column C on your physical 1095-A, leave it blank in TurboTax.
Sub-heading: Addressing "Zero" Value Errors
If TurboTax is giving you an error saying "must be greater than $0" or similar for Column B, and your form shows a zero or is blank for that month, this means TurboTax requires a valid SLCSP amount for that month because you had coverage.
Do NOT guess.
Access your Marketplace account: Log in to your account on Healthcare.gov or your state's Health Insurance Marketplace website. Look for a section related to tax forms or your 1095-A. They often provide a tool or direct access to your correct SLCSP amounts.
Contact the Marketplace: If you can't find it online, call the Health Insurance Marketplace directly. Explain that you need the correct Second-Lowest Cost Silver Plan (SLCSP) premium for the months in question for tax filing purposes.
Sub-heading: Reviewing Annual Totals
After entering all the monthly amounts, TurboTax will often calculate annual totals. Compare these calculated totals to any annual totals provided on your 1095-A. While rounding differences can occur, significant discrepancies indicate an error in your monthly entries.
Step 4: Dealing with Special Situations (Shared Policies, Multiple Forms)
Sometimes, your health coverage situation is more complex than a single 1095-A.
Sub-heading: Shared Policies and Allocation
If you shared a Marketplace policy with someone who is not on your tax return (e.g., a non-dependent adult child, an ex-spouse), you'll need to allocate the premiums and APTC amounts.
TurboTax will typically ask if you shared the policy. If you answer "Yes," it will prompt you to enter the percentage of the policy you are claiming.
It's crucial that the combined percentages from all tax returns sharing the policy add up to 100%. Coordinate with the other individuals on the policy to agree on the allocation percentages for Columns A, B, and C. The IRS also has rules about how you can allocate this if there's no agreement.
Sub-heading: Multiple 1095-A Forms
If you had coverage through the Marketplace for different periods or through different policies, you might receive multiple 1095-A forms.
Enter each 1095-A form separately into TurboTax. The program is designed to handle multiple forms and combine the information correctly.
Be mindful of overlapping coverage periods and ensure you're not double-counting or missing any months.
Step 5: Running SmartCheck / Error Check Again
Once you've made all the necessary corrections and reviewed your entries, it's time to run TurboTax's error check again.
Look for a button or option like "SmartCheck" or "Review" within TurboTax.
Clicking this will prompt the program to scan your return for any remaining errors, including those related to the 1095-A.
If new errors appear, go back to Step 3 and re-evaluate your entries. Sometimes, fixing one error can reveal another underlying issue.
Step 6: Understanding Form 8962 (Premium Tax Credit)
After you've successfully entered your 1095-A information without errors, TurboTax will automatically generate or update Form 8962, the Premium Tax Credit (PTC) form.
Form 8962 is where the reconciliation of your advance payments (APTC) and your actual PTC eligibility takes place. TurboTax calculates this based on your entered income, household size, and the information from your 1095-A.
You don't typically fill out Form 8962 directly in TurboTax; it's generated from your 1095-A entries and other tax return data. However, you can often view the form to understand the calculation. If your refund dramatically changes or you suddenly owe a lot more after entering the 1095-A, it's usually due to the reconciliation of the Premium Tax Credit. This means you either received too much or too little APTC throughout the year based on your final income.
Step 7: What to Do if You Still Can't Fix It
If you've followed all these steps and are still facing persistent 1095-A errors, don't give up!
Sub-heading: Contact TurboTax Support
TurboTax offers various support options, including their online community forums, help articles, and direct support via chat or phone.
When contacting support, be prepared to describe your error message precisely and provide details about your 1095-A form. Having screenshots of the error can also be helpful.
Sub-heading: Consider a Tax Professional
If the issue is complex, or you're simply overwhelmed, it might be time to consult with a qualified tax professional (e.g., a CPA or Enrolled Agent). They can review your entire return, diagnose the 1095-A problem, and ensure your taxes are filed correctly.
Sub-heading: Mailing Your Return (Last Resort)
In some rare cases, particularly with very specific or unusual 1095-A situations that software struggles to handle, you might need to mail in your tax return instead of e-filing. If your e-file is rejected for a 1095-A/8962 issue repeatedly, and you've exhausted other options, paper filing might be the only way forward. Always include a written explanation if you believe Form 8962 isn't required but your e-file was rejected for its absence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - How to Fix 1095-A Errors in TurboTax
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to 1095-A errors in TurboTax, with quick answers:
How to get a copy of my Form 1095-A?
You can usually download a copy of your Form 1095-A by logging into your account on Healthcare.gov or your state's Health Insurance Marketplace website. They are typically available by January 31st each year.
How to find my Second-Lowest Cost Silver Plan (SLCSP) premium if it's missing on my 1095-A?
Log into your Marketplace account (Healthcare.gov or your state's exchange) and look for a tool or information specifically for determining your SLCSP for tax purposes. You can also contact the Marketplace directly.
How to handle a Form 1095-A with zeros or blanks in Column B or C?
Always leave the corresponding fields in TurboTax blank if they are blank or show "0.00" on your physical 1095-A, especially for Column B. If TurboTax errors out because of a blank Column B, you must obtain the correct SLCSP from your Marketplace.
How to fix an e-file rejection due to a missing Form 1095-A or Form 8962?
This usually means the IRS records indicate you received a Premium Tax Credit. You need to either accurately enter your 1095-A information to generate Form 8962, or if you genuinely didn't have Marketplace coverage, you might need to include a PDF attachment with your return explaining why Form 8962 isn't required.
How to amend my return if my 1095-A information was incorrect after filing?
If the corrected 1095-A information would change your tax liability (either increasing what you owe or decreasing your refund significantly), you should file an amended return (Form 1040-X). If the change is minor or in your favor, you may choose to amend.
How to proceed if I had Marketplace coverage for only part of the year?
Enter the monthly amounts as they appear on your 1095-A. For months you didn't have Marketplace coverage, the corresponding fields in TurboTax for that month should be left blank (not zero).
How to enter a shared Marketplace policy in TurboTax?
TurboTax will ask if you shared the policy. If yes, you'll need to enter the agreed-upon percentage of the premiums and APTC that you are claiming. Ensure your percentage, when combined with others on the policy, totals 100%.
How to delete a Form 1095-A I accidentally entered or that is incorrect?
In TurboTax, navigate to the 1095-A section (using the search function or manual navigation as described in Step 2). Once you're on the form, look for an option to "Delete Form" or "Clear Form," often found at the bottom of the screen or in a left-hand menu.
How to prevent 1095-A errors in future tax years?
Keep your Marketplace account information updated, especially income and household size changes, throughout the year. This helps ensure the APTC payments are accurate and reduces reconciliation issues at tax time. Also, always have your official 1095-A in hand before entering information.
How to confirm my 1095-A information matches IRS records?
While you can't directly "check" against IRS records before filing, accurately transcribing the information from your official Form 1095-A (especially double-checking the policy number and all monthly figures) is the best way to ensure consistency. If an e-file rejection occurs, it's a strong indicator of a mismatch.
