For the upcoming 2018 filing season, the IRS published an announcement that stated that they‎ will not accept electronically filed tax returns where the taxpayer does not address the health coverage requirements. The IRS will not accept the electronic tax return until the taxpayer indicates whether they had coverage, had an exemption or will make a shared responsibility payment. In addition, returns filed on paper that do not address the health coverage requirements may be suspended pending the receipt of additional information and any refunds may be delayed.

To avoid refund and processing delays when filing 2017 tax returns in 2018, taxpayers should indicate whether they and everyone on their return had coverage, qualified for an exemption from the coverage requirement or are making an individual shared responsibility payment. This process reflects the requirements of the ACA and the IRS’s obligation to administer the health care law.

Taxpayers remain obligated to follow the law and pay what they may owe at the point of filing‎.

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