What You Need to Know About 1040A Tax Return Forms

What is a 1040A Tax Form?

As of 2018, Forms 1040A and 1040EZ are no longer available although you can still use them to file prior year tax returns for 2017 back.  With more than 90% of all individual tax returns electronically filed, the shift away from paper returns and numerous provisions of the 2018 tax reform caused the 1040A and 1040EZ tax forms to become redundant.

With more than 90% of all individual tax returns electronically filed, the shift away from paper returns and numerous provisions of the 2018 tax reform caused the 1040A and 1040EZ tax forms to become redundant.

Form 1040A and provisions of the Affordable Care Act

For taxpayers who receive health coverage through a Marketplace plan and received subsidies in 2017 and prior years, Form 1040A can be used to claim or reconcile the premium tax credit. If you received advance premium tax credit to pay for your premiums, you must file Form 1040A or Form 1040.

While the individual mandate was reduced to $0 in 2019, it was still in effect for 2017 and other prior years. Form 1040A can be used to report the shared responsibility payment if you did not meet minimum essential coverage requirements or have an exemption.

About the Author

Jo Willetts, Director of Tax Resources at Jackson Hewitt, has more than 35 years of experience in the tax industry. As an Enrolled Agent, Jo has attained the highest level of certification for a tax professional. She began her career at Jackson Hewitt as a Tax Pro, working her way up to General Manager of a franchise store. In her current role, Jo provides expert knowledge company-wide to ensure that tax information distributed through all Jackson Hewitt channels is current and accurate.

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