Health Care

Beginning in 2014, a penalty will be imposed on certain individuals who fail to have minimum essential health insurance for themselves and their dependents. However, to help subsidize the cost of health insurance and make it more affordable, eligible individuals who purchase coverage under a qualified health plan through an Affordable Insurance Exchange may receive a premium assistance credit. The IRS has issued guidance for employees on their eligibility to claim this credit.

In order to be eligible for the premium assistance credit, a taxpayer must satisfy the following criteria:

If you are a small employer with fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees, pay an average wage of less than $50,000 a year, and pay at least half of your employee health insurance premiums then you may be eligible for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.

For tax years 2010 through 2013, the maximum credit is 35 percent for small business employers and 25 percent for small tax-exempt employers such as charities.

An enhanced version of the credit will be effective beginning Jan. 1, 2014. The IRS is expected to issue additional information about the enhanced version as it becomes available. In general, on Jan. 1, 2014, the rate will increase to 50 percent and 35 percent, respectively.