Forgot to include 1095-A form but tax return already accepted - what are my options?

Yes, you'll need to file an amended return using Form 1040-X. According to the IRS website (https://www.irs.gov/filing/amended-returns-form-1040-x), you should wait until your original return is processed completely before filing the amendment. The online tool at irs.gov/filing/wheres-my-amended-return can help you track your amendment status. Currently, paper-filed amendments are taking 16+ weeks to process, but you can now e-file amendments through most tax software platforms which speeds things up considerably.

Ah, the classic "oops I forgot a form" tax dance. We've all been there! 💃 One thing to consider: did the 1095-A actually impact your tax situation? If you didn't claim Premium Tax Credits or weren't required to reconcile any advance payments, you might not need to amend at all. The IRS doesn't actually require the 1095-A to be attached to your return - they just need the information from it if it affects your tax calculation.

Oh my goodness, I was in EXACTLY this situation last year!! 😱 I panicked when I realized I forgot my 1095-A after filing. I called the IRS regular number for THREE DAYS and couldn't get through!!! So frustrating! Then someone told me about Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) and I got through to an actual IRS agent in like 20 minutes! They confirmed I needed to file an amendment and explained the whole process. Saved me so much stress and uncertainty!

Just so you're aware of the timeline: I had to amend my return last year on March 12th due to a missing 1099. The amended return was processed by May 27th, which was faster than the 16+ weeks they initially quoted me. The IRS has improved their processing times for 2024, so you might see even quicker resolution. If you e-file your amendment, you can start checking the "Where's My Amended Return" tool about 3 weeks after submission.

I'm fairly certain that you don't actually need to amend if the 1095-A doesn't change your tax situation. The IRS generally only requires an amendment if there's a change to your tax liability, deductions, or credits. However, if you received advance premium tax credits or are claiming the premium tax credit on your return, then yes, you absolutely must file a 1040-X with Form 8962 attached. The amendment process is somewhat straightforward - you'll need to complete the 1040-X showing the changes, include any supporting forms (like 8962), and provide a brief explanation of why you're amending in Part III of the form.

Did you get advance premium tax credits? Makes a big difference. Could change your refund amount. Might even owe money. Any dependents on your marketplace plan?

I've been through this exact situation before with a forgotten 1095-A. Back in 2022, I had to file an amended return and it took about 12 weeks to process. The good news was my refund from my original return wasn't held up - I received that on schedule. The amendment resulted in an additional small refund that came later. Just make sure you keep all your documentation organized, including proof of when you submitted the amendment.

My neighbor had a similar situation last year but with a forgotten 1099-R instead of a 1095-A. She filed her amendment electronically through TurboTax in February, and by April she had already received her additional refund. That's much faster than when my brother had to paper-file an amendment in 2021 and waited nearly 6 months! The electronic amendment process is so much more efficient compared to the paper route, similar to how e-filing your original return is faster than mailing it in.

One important technical detail: when filing your 1040-X with the 1095-A information, you'll need to complete Form 8962 (Premium Tax Credit) to reconcile any advance premium tax credits you received. The Marketplace should have sent copies of your 1095-A to the IRS already, but they still require you to submit the reconciliation. If your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) changed from what you estimated when you enrolled, this could result in either owing money back or receiving additional credit.