If you had no health coverage

If you weren’t enrolled in qualifying health coverage for all or part of 2016, you must either claim a health coverage exemption or pay a fee with your federal income tax return.

You will NOT get Form 1095-A unless you or someone in your household had Marketplace coverage for all or part of 2016.

1. See if you qualify for an exemption from the coverage requirement

   • Exemptions are available based on a number of situations, including certain hardships, some life events, health coverage or financial status, and membership in some groups.
   • Learn more about health coverage exemptions.
   • See if any 2016 exemptions work for you. Use our tool to find out if you qualify for any exemptions and how to apply.

2. If you don’t qualify for an exemption, pay the fee

   • If you did not have health coverage in 2016 and don’t qualify for a health coverage exemption, you may have to pay a penalty when you file your federal tax return.
   • The penalty for 2016 is 2.5% of your household income or $695 per adult ($347.50 per child), whichever is higher.
   • Your penalty is based on your income and how many months you didn’t have coverage. Generally, the higher your income and the more months you didn’t have health insurance, the higher the fee.
   • Learn more about the penalty for not having coverage in 2016.

Health care tax resources

Calculate your penalty

• Use the IRS Individual Shared Responsibility Payment Estimator.
• Learn how to calculate and make your payment.

Tax forms and instructions:

• Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (PDF) and Form 1040 instructions (PDF)
• Form 1040A, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (PDF) and Form 1040A instructions (PDF)
• Form 1040EZ, Income Tax Return for Single and Joint Filers With No Dependents (PDF) and Form 1040EZ instructions (PDF)

More than one coverage status?

If you weren't enrolled in any health coverage for only part of 2016, or other family members had different coverage, visit the relevant pages below.

See what to do for:

• Enrollment in a Markteplace plan WITH premium tax credits
• Enrollment in a Marketplace plan WITHOUT premium tax credits
• Enrollment in job-based coverage
• Enrollment in other coverage