The due date for certain entities to provide 2017 health coverage information forms to individuals in 2018 has been extended. (Contact Paramount Tax & Bookkeeping Southlake to learn more about our tax services in Southlake / Grapevine.)

Insurers, self-insuring employers, other coverage providers, and applicable large employers now have until March 2, 2018, to provide Forms 1095-B or 1095-C to individuals, which is a 30-day extension from the original due date of January 31, 2018.

Insurers, self-insuring employers, other coverage providers, and applicable large employers must furnish statements to employees or covered individuals regarding the health care coverage offered to them. Individuals may use this information to determine whether, for each month of the calendar year, they may claim the premium tax credit on their individual income tax returns.

The 30-day extension is automatic, and employers and providers don't have to request it; however, the due dates for filing 2017 information returns with the IRS are not extended. For 2018, the due dates to file information returns with the IRS are:

• February 28, 2018 for paper filers
• April 2, 2018 for electronic filers

Due to these extensions, some individuals may not receive their Forms 1095-B or 1095-C by the time they are ready to file their 2017 individual income tax return. However, while information on these forms may assist in preparing a return, the forms are not required to file a 2017 tax return. Taxpayers do not have to wait for Forms 1095-B or 1095-C to file. Instead, they can prepare and file their returns using other information about their health coverage.

Don't hesitate to call Paramount Tax & Bookkeeping Southlake if you have any questions about extended due dates for employers and providers that issue Health Coverage Forms to individual taxpayers in 2018. Contact Paramount Tax & Bookkeeping Southlake to learn more.