On November 29, the IRS announced that it extended the deadline for certain entities to provide individuals with Forms 1095-B or Forms 1095-C for 2018.  The new deadline is March 4, 2019, which is a 32-day extension from the original deadline of January 31, 2019.  This extension is automatic; employers and providers do not have to request it.

Background

Insurers, self-insuring employers, other coverage providers, and applicable large employers must provide Forms 1095-B (Health Coverage) or Forms 1095-C (Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage) to individuals regarding the health care coverage offered to them.  Individuals may use this information to determine whether they may claim the premium tax credit on their individual income tax returns.

Forms Not Needed to File Individual Tax Returns

Because of these extensions, individuals may not receive their Forms 1095-B or 1095-C by the time they are ready to file their 2018 individual income tax returns.  The forms, however, are not required to file individual income tax returns, and taxpayers do not have to wait for the forms to file.

No Extension for Filing

The deadline to file 2018 information returns with the IRS are not extended, and remain:

• February 28, 2019 for paper filers
• April 1, 2019 for electronic filers

Penalty Relief for Good-Faith Efforts

The IRS also extended relief from penalties to entities that report incorrect or incomplete information on the return or statement when the entity can show it made a good-faith effort to comply with the information-reporting requirements.  In determining good faith, the IRS will take into account whether an employer or other coverage provider made reasonable efforts to prepare for reporting and providing the required information.