💚 Lost Form 1095-A? Fastest Way to Get a Replacement — 2025 Marketplace & IRS Rules Explained
If you had Marketplace health insurance at any point during the year, you cannot file an accurate tax return without Form 1095-A. Every tax season, thousands of taxpayers end up with refund delays, IRS 12C Notices, or refund holds simply because they misplaced this form or did not receive it by mail.
In 2025, the IRS strengthened verification for Premium Tax Credit (PTC) reconciliation, meaning that returns missing Form 1095-A are almost always diverted for manual review.
This guide explains the quickest way to retrieve your form and prevent refund delays.
- 1️⃣ What Is Form 1095-A?
- 2️⃣ Why You Cannot File Properly Without It
- 3️⃣ Fastest Ways to Get a Replacement
- 4️⃣ How to Fix Marketplace Login Problems
- 5️⃣ Practical Example
- 6️⃣ EA Professional Tips
- 7️⃣ FAQ
- 8️⃣ Google Q&A Summary
- 9️⃣ External & Internal Links
- 10️⃣ Disclaimer
1️⃣ What Is Form 1095-A?
Form 1095-A is the official statement issued to anyone who enrolled in a health insurance plan through HealthCare.gov or a state-based Marketplace. It reports key monthly information:
- Premium amounts
- Advance Premium Tax Credit (APTC) paid on your behalf
- Figures required to reconcile PTC on Form 8962
Without these numbers, you cannot accurately complete Form 8962, which is mandatory for Marketplace users.
2️⃣ Why You Cannot File Properly Without Form 1095-A
The IRS cross-checks every return against Marketplace records. If your return should include Form 1095-A but it’s missing:
- Your refund is very likely to be frozen or delayed
- The IRS will issue a 12C Notice asking for Form 8962 + 1095-A
- If you received APTC, the IRS may temporarily treat it as fully repayable until corrected
Even one month of Marketplace coverage triggers the requirement.
3️⃣ Fastest Ways to Retrieve a Lost Form 1095-A
🔹 ① Download Instantly from HealthCare.gov (Fastest & Most Reliable)
Most taxpayers can access the form online using Login.gov or ID.me credentials.
- Log in to HealthCare.gov
- Go to “Documents & Correspondence”
- Download your 1095-A PDF immediately
EA Insight: This method resolves over 90% of missing-form situations.
🔹 ② Download from Your State Marketplace
The following states operate their own Marketplace platforms:
- New York — NY State of Health
- California — Covered California
- Washington — WA Healthplanfinder
- Connecticut, Massachusetts, and others
You can log in and download the PDF directly from each state portal.
🔹 ③ Request a Copy by Phone
You may request reissuance via Marketplace call centers after identity verification.
However, mail delivery takes longer, making this the least efficient option during tax season.
4️⃣ Fixing Marketplace Login Issues
Most delays come from Login.gov or ID.me account problems, not from missing forms.
🔸 Forgot Password → Reset via Email/SMS
🔸 Verification Failed → Retake ID Photos or Complete Live Video Verification
🔸 Account Locked → Submit Unlock Request
If you rely on Marketplace coverage every year, it’s best to confirm that your Login.gov account is fully functional before tax season.
5️⃣ Practical Example
A Texas taxpayer used Marketplace insurance for only two months and filed without Form 1095-A, assuming it wasn’t necessary. The IRS immediately placed the refund on hold and issued a 12C Notice.
After completing Login.gov identity verification and downloading the form, the taxpayer submitted Form 8962, and the refund was released about three weeks later.
6️⃣ EA Practical Tips
- Form 1095-A is issued even if your coverage lasted only one month.
- Incorrect APTC or premium amounts are common; always double-check numbers.
- Missing mail is the #1 reason taxpayers never receive the form.
- Corrected 1095-A forms are sometimes issued — confirm you’re using the latest version.
7️⃣ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What happens if I file without Form 1095-A?
A. Your return may be accepted electronically, but the refund will almost always be held until Form 8962 is submitted.
Q. I canceled my Marketplace plan mid-year. Do I still get a 1095-A?
A. Yes. The form will show only the months you were covered.
Q. I only have 1095-B or 1095-C. Do I still need 1095-A?
A. Only Marketplace enrollees receive Form 1095-A. Employer plans and Medicaid do not issue it.
Q. When is the form available?
A. Typically by late January online; paper copies arrive later.
8️⃣ Google Q&A Summary
Q. Where do I get a replacement Form 1095-A?
A. Log in to HealthCare.gov or your state Marketplace and download the PDF.
Q. Can I get my refund without it?
A. Refund processing generally cannot continue until Form 8962 is filed.
Q. What if my Marketplace account is locked?
A. Complete Login.gov identity recovery or verification steps.
9️⃣ External & Internal Links
🔟 Disclaimer
Marketplace procedures vary by state, and individual tax situations differ. For accurate filing, consult an EA or CPA.
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