news article
IRS deadline extended for health coverage mandate form
February 11, 2016 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The IRS has extended the due date to March 31 for mailing Form 1095-B to individuals for 2015 tax returns. As part of Section 6055: Reporting under the Affordable Care Act, Form 1095-B verifies the "individual mandate" for minimum essential health coverage.
The General Board of Pension & Health Benefits will provide these forms to HealthFlex participants before the March 31 IRS deadline. In order to leverage the additional time to better validate this new process, the earliest participants should expect to receive Form 1095-B is late February or early March. Individuals enrolled in Medicare will receive Form 1095-B directly from Medicare.
Along with the two month deadline extension for employers for 2015 tax reporting, the IRS also provided relief for individuals; the IRS stated that individuals who rely on information from their coverage providers regarding minimum essential coverage will not be required to amend tax returns if they receive a Form 1095-B later that has conflicting information.
Form 1095-B does not need to be filed with an individual's tax return, but the IRS recommends that the taxpayer keep a copy with his or her tax records.
Additional information on health care information forms can be found on the IRS website.