2026 Health Coverage Reporting Updates for Georgia Access Clients

As we move into the 2026 tax year, it’s important for individuals and employers to understand key reporting requirements related to health coverage and IRS Form 1095. These forms provide proof of health insurance coverage and are often needed when filing federal tax returns.

📌 What is Form 1095?

IRS Form 1095 comes in a few versions depending on your situation:

• Form 1095-A: For individuals who enrolled in health coverage through a Marketplace (like Georgia Access).
• Form 1095-B: For certain people covered by health insurance not through a Marketplace (e.g., some private plans).
• Form 1095-C: For employees of larger employers (Applicable Large Employers, or ALEs) to report coverage offers and enrollment.

If you bought health coverage through the Marketplace in 2025, you’ll receive Form 1095-A in early 2026 — and you’ll need it to complete your federal tax return and reconcile any advance premium tax credits.

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📆 2026 Deadlines and New Reporting Details

🗓 Individual Deadlines

• Form 1095-A availability: Marketplace forms are typically downloadable from your account by late January or early February each year.
• Filing your taxes: Wait to receive your Form 1095-A before submitting your 2025 tax return — you’ll need the information to fill out Form 8962 (Premium Tax Credit).

🏢 Employer (Applicable Large Employer) Reporting Deadlines

For employers and plan sponsors, 2026 brings a few important dates tied to reporting:

• Furnish Forms 1095-C/1095-B to employees by March 2, 2026.
• File Forms 1094/1095 with the IRS:
  • Paper filing (if eligible): by March 2, 2026.
  • Electronic filing (required for most): by March 31, 2026.

📣 New Filing Relief for Employers

The IRS has made changes that may reduce the reporting burden:

• Employers can avoid mass mailing 1095 forms to employees if they post a compliant “Notice of Availability” on their website and provide forms upon request. This notice must be live by March 2, 2026 and stay up through October 15, 2026.

This relief applies to both Form 1095-B and Form 1095-C. However, employers must be ready to provide the forms promptly upon employee request.

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🧠 Why These Forms Matter to You

For individuals — especially those enrolled through Georgia Access — your Form 1095-A includes:

• Premium amounts you paid during the year
• The second lowest cost Silver plan premium (used for tax credit calculations)
• Information needed to complete IRS Form 8962 to reconcile the premium tax credit on your tax return.

If you don’t have this form when you file, the IRS could delay your refund or adjust your taxes incorrectly.

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📥 Where to Get Your Form 1095-A

Georgia Access clients who purchased coverage through the Georgia Access Marketplace can:

👉 Log in to the Georgia Access portal and download your Form 1095-A when it’s available. (Typically by late January/early February.)

👉 If you don’t see it available online or something looks incorrect, contact Georgia Access support directly.

For federal guidance or to access IRS resources about Form 1095-A, visit the IRS page here:
➡️ Health Insurance Marketplace statements (IRS) – https://www.irs.gov/affordable-care-act/health-insurance-marketplace-statements

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📍 Summary: What You Should Do

✅ Expect your Form 1095-A early in 2026 if you had 2025 coverage through the Marketplace.
✅ Don’t file your taxes before you receive the form — you need it to complete Form 8962.
✅ Employers must provide forms or notices to employees by early March 2026.
✅ If you’re unsure where to find your form or have questions, contact Georgia Access customer support.

Need help getting started? Explore how Emergent Financial Group partners with Retirement Plan Providers and Strategic Accountants to bring you flexible, tax-smart options tailored to your small business.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us here

Start here:

• Emergent Financial Group Knowledge Base
  https://emergentfingrp.com/knowledge-base/

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