Obamacare Poised to Make Tax Time Even More Complicated

The tax agency wants evidence of who is entitled to what.

If consumers thought logging on to HealthCare.gov was a headache, sorting through complex forms ahead of tax deadline day 2015 is their next big Obamacare challenge.

The health care law's benefits are rolling out, but its major math problems start next year as the IRS tries to ensure that millions of Americans are correctly calculating their benefits and that those who don't have coverage are penalized unless they qualify for an exemption.

That means much new paper-shuffling between now and April 15, which could be especially confusing for low- and middle-income Americans unaccustomed to lots of reporting to the IRS. The insurance exchanges and employers must send consumers details about their health plan and benefits or exemptions in time for them to file a tax return. If any of that information is delayed or wrong, tax refunds could be delayed.

Comments

[Sevo]

Higher costs! Worse care! Huge new bureaucracy!
O-care covers the spread.

[Spyrius Droid]

There are lots of people who don't usually file a federal tax return. Usually low income individuals who elect no federal withholding.

This will be a rude awakening to them. I wonder if many of them just won't file per usual, and will end up with a bill and penalty from the IRS. Fun times to come.

[Calvin Coolidge]

Hard to pity them. Welcome to my world, freeloaders. Who do you think has been covering those welfare checks you cash every other week?