Does COBRA get reported on w2?

Asked by: Jose Kassulke  |  Last update: December 1, 2025
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In general, each employer providing coverage will have to report the prorated cost on the employee's W-2. If the employee is terminated, the employer can also include the COBRA payment amounts paid by the employee after termination.

Are COBRA payments reported on W-2?

If the employer charges a COBRA premium for such coverage, then it must be included in the aggregate reportable cost on the Form W-2.

How do I report COBRA payments on my taxes?

According to the Federal tax laws, your unreimbursed COBRA payments are, in fact, deductible as medical expenses on your 1040 tax return in the same way that you can deduct unreimbursed payments for legal medical services provided by physicians, surgeons, dentists, and other medical practitioners, as well as any ...

Do I get a tax form for COBRA?

If you had job-based health coverage. Depending on the kind of job-based coverage you had (including COBRA or retiree coverage), you may get one of these from your employer or insurance company: Form 1095-B, Health Coverage. Form 1095-C, Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage.

Does employee paid health insurance go on W-2?

Individuals (employees) do not have to report the cost of coverage under an employer-sponsored group health plan that may be shown on their Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, in Box 12, using Code DD.

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What benefits need to be reported on W-2?

Salary advances, fringe benefits, employee business expense reimbursements. Deferred Compensation deductions. Pre-Tax Benefit deductions (Health, Dental, Health Care Reimbursement, Dependent Care Reimbursement, Other Post-Employment Benefits - OPEB).

What is excluded from W-2 wages?

The types of earnings (or compensation payments) that are excluded from Social Security wages include: Tips (if they total less than $20 per month) Reimbursed business travel expenses. Employer-paid health or accident insurance premiums.

Is COBRA reported on 1095?

If you are a self-insured employer offering COBRA/retiree coverage, you have the option to use either form 1095-B or form 1095-C for reporting their COBRA/retiree coverage as the entity providing MEC.

How does COBRA work after leaving a job?

COBRA coverage lets you pay to stay on your job-based health insurance for a limited time after your job ends (usually 18 months). You usually pay the full premium yourself, plus a small administrative fee. Contact your employer to learn about your COBRA options.

What is the tax credit for COBRA?

If your coverage is from a former employer, such as COBRA or retiree coverage, you can decline the employer coverage, even if it is affordable and provides minimum value, and may be eligible for the Premium Tax Credit for your Marketplace coverage.

Does my W-2 show how much I paid for health insurance?

Health Insurance Cost on W-2 - Code DD. How can we help? Employers are required to report the cost of an employee's health care benefits in Box 12 of Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement, using code "DD" to identify the amount. This amount is reported for informational purposes only and is NOT taxable.

What is the tax penalty for COBRA?

The minimum tax levied by the IRS for non-compliance discovered after a notice of examination is generally $2,500. The maximum tax for “unintentional failures” is the lesser of 10% of the amount paid during the preceding tax year by the employer for group health plans, or $500,000.

What is box 14 on W-2?

Box 14 of Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement allows your employer to enter a variety of information. Employers might use abbreviations and codes in Box 14, and you may need to ask your employer to interpret those abbreviations or codes.

How do I claim COBRA on my taxes?

Are my COBRA premiums deductible? Yes they are tax deductible as a medical expense. There isn't necessarily a “COBRA Tax Deduction”. You can only deduct the amount of COBRA medical expenses on your federal income tax in excess of 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income and then only if you itemize deductions.

What compensation is listed on W-2?

Box 1 - Wages, Tips, and Other Compensation

Box 1 shows the amount of gross taxable wages an employer paid. These wages include prizes, bonuses, fringe benefits, and salaries. This part of Form W-2 does not include amounts given to retirement plans or other payroll deductions.

Does box 12 on W-2 affect taxes?

W2 Box 12 uses codes A through HH to identify a variety of employee benefits that must be reported to the IRS. Some of these figures are taxable amounts that are also included in total income elsewhere on the W-2, while some represent non-taxable amounts for informational purposes only.

What is the COBRA loophole?

If you decide to enroll in COBRA health insurance, your coverage will be retroactive, meaning it will apply to any medical bills incurred during the 60-day decision period. This loophole can save you money by avoiding premium payments unless you actually need care during this time.

How long is COBRA offered after termination?

A plan, however, may provide longer periods of coverage beyond the maximum period required by law. When the qualifying event is the covered employee's termination of employment or reduction in hours of employment, qualified beneficiaries are entitled to 18 months of continuation coverage.

Is COBRA coverage worth it?

If you're close to meeting your deductible on your current insurance plan and you have high health care costs, it may be worth it to temporarily stay on your COBRA plan,” explains Donovan. The same holds true if you're far into your employer plan's year and have already met your deductible.

Are COBRA premiums reported on w2?

In general, each employer providing coverage will have to report the prorated cost on the employee's W-2. If the employee is terminated, the employer can also include the COBRA payment amounts paid by the employee after termination.

Is COBRA considered income?

No you do not have to report the COBRA assistance as income. Under Sec. 139I, the premium assistance is excluded from an individual's gross income because the employer or other payer can receive a tax credit for providing the coverage.

Do I keep my deductible with COBRA?

If you choose a new plan through the Marketplace, your payments toward your deductible or out-of-pocket maximums will reset and go back to zero. However, if you choose COBRA, whatever you have contributed for the plan year will carry over.

Can a W-2 employee write off work expenses?

Can a W-2 employee deduct unreimbursed employee expenses? Most unreimbursed employee expenses can't be claimed by W-2 employees on their federal income taxes. Ask your employer if they would reimburse you for those expenses because those expenses are usually deductible to them.

What income must be reported to the IRS?

Generally, you must include in gross income everything you receive in payment for personal services. In addition to wages, salaries, commissions, fees, and tips, this includes other forms of compensation such as fringe benefits and stock options.

What are exemptions on W-2?

You are eligible for W-2 exemption if you meet the following requirements: you owed no federal income tax in the previous year, and you don't owe federal income tax in the current year. It happens when your tax is smaller than your refundable credits.