IRS Collection Limits and the Affordable Care Act
The Individual Mandate and IRS Collection Limits
The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, implemented an individual mandate requiring most Americans to have health insurance coverage. Those who failed to comply with this mandate faced a penalty, which the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) was tasked with collecting.
However, the ACA also included provisions limiting the IRS’s ability to collect this penalty using aggressive methods such as liens, levies, garnishments, and asset forfeitures. This limitation was in effect from 2014 to 2018.
Rationale Behind Collection Limits
The rationale behind these collection limits was to ensure that the IRS did not use unduly harsh tactics to collect the penalty. Critics argued that such measures could disproportionately impact low-income households and individuals who had difficulty affording health insurance coverage. By restricting the IRS’s collection powers, the ACA aimed to mitigate these concerns.
IRS’s Collection Methods
During the period 2014-2018, the IRS primarily relied on the following methods to collect the individual mandate penalty:
Tax Return Offsets: The IRS could offset tax refunds to cover the unpaid penalty.
Wage Garnishment: The IRS could garnish wages to collect the penalty. This method was only used as a last resort and required a court order.
Notices and Billing: The IRS sent notices and bills reminding individuals of their unpaid penalty and providing instructions for payment.
Post-2018 Collection Changes
In 2019, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act repealed the individual mandate, making the IRS’s collection limits moot. However, it is important to note that the IRS still has the authority to collect unpaid penalties incurred during the 2014-2018 period.
Seeking Professional Assistance
If you have questions about IRS collection limits or the Affordable Care Act, it is advisable to seek professional assistance from a licensed health insurance agent or a tax advisor. They can help you understand your options and navigate any potential collection actions.
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