Is a COBRA reimbursement taxable?

Asked by: Dr. Marianna Beer DDS  |  Last update: March 8, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (36 votes)

Answer: Reimbursement for COBRA payments are not taxable to the former employee and should not be reported on a Form 1099, Miscellaneous Information, or a Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement. This is true regardless of whether the reimbursement is paid by the former employer or the employee's current employer.

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 COBRA payments show up 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 pre-tax or post-tax?

Typically, premium payments deducted from your paycheck are pre-tax payments—what you pay toward your premiums doesn't count as income when you file your taxes. With COBRA, you need to pay the premiums with after-tax funds.

Is reimbursing an employee for health insurance taxable?

Reimbursement is tax-free. If an employee doesn't submit a claim, the employer keeps the money, though they may choose to roll it over from year to year while the employee is still employed by the business.

COBRA Insurance | What You Need to Know

32 related questions found

What type of employee reimbursements are taxable?

​​Are reimbursements part of gross pay? Reimbursements are not a part of gross pay if they are part of an accountable plan. They are reported separately and paid separately from an employee's gross pay. If a reimbursement is part of a non-accountable plan, they are paid out as taxed compensation.

Is reimbursement from insurance taxable?

A common example scenario is when a business receives insurance reimbursements for losses such as property damage, theft, or other covered events; these payments are intended to restore the business to its financial position prior to the incident and are, therefore, not classified as taxable income.

Is reimbursement for COBRA taxable?

Answer: Reimbursement for COBRA payments are not taxable to the former employee and should not be reported on a Form 1099, Miscellaneous Information, or a Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement. This is true regardless of whether the reimbursement is paid by the former employer or the employee's current employer.

Do I get a tax form from 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.

Who pays for COBRA after termination?

COBRA and Cal-COBRA

COBRA allows former employees, retirees, and their dependents to temporarily keep their health coverage. If you get COBRA, you must pay for the entire premium, including any portion that your employer may have paid in the past.

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.

What are the IRS rules on health reimbursement accounts?

An HRA must receive contributions from the employer only. Employees may not contribute. Contributions aren't includible in income. Reimbursements from an HRA that are used to pay qualified medical expenses aren't taxed.

How does box 12 dd affect taxes?

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.

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.

What does code D in box 12 mean?

D – Elective deferral under a Section 401(k) cash or arrangement plan. This includes a SIMPLE 401(k) arrangement. You may be able to claim the Saver's Credit, Form 1040 Schedule 3, line 4. See Form 1040 Instructions for details. E – Code E includes elective deferrals under a Section 403(b) salary reduction agreement.

How does COBRA affect 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.

How does Form 1095-A affect my taxes?

You will use the information from the Form 1095-A to calculate the amount of your premium tax credit. You will also use this form to reconcile advance payments of the premium tax credit made on your behalf with the premium tax credit you are claiming on your tax return.

What is the 60 day loophole for cobras?

You have 60 days to enroll in COBRA once your employer-sponsored benefits end. Even if your enrollment is delayed, you will be covered by COBRA starting the day your prior coverage ended.

Are COBRA premiums reported on w2?

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.

Is a reimbursement taxable income?

Reimbursements for expenses like meals, lodging, and travel when going away on business are not taxable if you keep relevant receipts and receive reimbursement according to the actual expenses you accrued, or if your employer reimburses you with the official IRS per diem rates.

Do you have to pay taxes on insurance reimbursements?

Are insurance payments taxable? Insurance payouts you receive after damage to your home or an accident involving your car are generally not taxable unless you've come out way ahead financially.

Is money from an insurance settlement taxable?

An insurance settlement will typically cover medical expenses and property damage if you are in a car accident. Compensation for these damages and other damages like pain and suffering are generally not taxable. However, certain insurance settlements cover lost income, which may be taxable.

Will I receive a W2 for short-term disability?

Do I receive a W-2 form for Disability claim payments? A W-2 form lists the benefits paid and taxes withheld. It is required for every calendar year that you receive disability benefit payments.

Are reimbursements under an accountable plan taxable?

Reimbursements paid under an accountable plan are not taxable to the employee. They are not wages and are not subject to income tax withholding and payment of social security and Medicare.