Thursday, November 19, 2015


AS THE HOLIDAYS APPROACH

It's that time again to get all your end of the year documents in order.  Don't forget to include those charitable contributions along with medical and travel expenses.

If you are a business owner, keep every receipt you received for purchasing business items.
  
I know this time can be hectic with planning for the holidays and getting together with friends and family, but don't let that keep you from being on track.


When in doubt contact you accountant to assure what you're doing it right.


Four Things to Know about Advance Payments of the Premium Tax Credit
When you enroll in coverage through the Marketplace during Open Season, which runs through Jan. 31, 2016, you can choose to have monthly advance credit payments sent directly to your insurer. If you get the benefit of advance credit payments in any amount, or if you plan to claim the premium tax credit, you must file a federal income tax return and use a Form 8962, Premium Tax Credit (PTC) to reconcile the amount of advance credit payments made on your behalf with the amount of your actual premium tax credit.  You must file an income tax return for this purpose even if you are otherwise not required to file a return.
Here are four things to know about advance payments of the premium tax credit:
• If the premium tax credit computed on your return is more than the advance credit payments made on your behalf during the year, the difference will increase your refund or lower the amount of tax you owe. This will be reported in the ‘Payments’ section of Form 1040.
• If the advance credit payments are more than the amount of the premium tax credit you are allowed, you will add all or a portion of the excess advance credit payments made on your behalf to your tax liability by entering it in the ‘Tax and Credits’ section of your tax return.  This will result in either a smaller refund or a larger balance due.
• If advance credit payments are made on behalf of you or an individual in your family, and you do not file a tax return, you will not be eligible for advance credit payments or cost-sharing reductions to help pay for your Marketplace health insurance coverage in future years.   • The amount of excess advance credit payments that you are required to repay may be limited based on your household income and filing status.  If your household income is 400 percent or more of the applicable federal poverty line, you will have to repay all of the advance credit payments. The repayment limits are listed in the table below.  

Repayment Limitation Table
Household Income Percentage of Federal Poverty Line
Limitation Amount for Single
Limitation Amount for all other filing statuses
Less than 200%
$300
$600
At least 200%, but less than 300%
$750
$1,500
At least 300%, but less than 400%
$1,250
$2,500
400% or more
No limit
No limit

For more information, see the Premium Tax Credit Questions and Answers at IRS.gov/aca. You can also use our Interactive Tax Assistant tool to find out if you are eligible for the premium tax credit.