As we head into open enrollment for 2023 insurance plans, the Affordable Care Act still says you must have health insurance. But -- and this is a big but -- the tax penalty for going without health insurance is zero.
No Federal Penalty for Being Uninsured
You'll still have to report your coverage status on your federal tax return, but you won't have to pay a federal tax penalty if you're not covered.
Some States Now Have Health Insurance Mandates
That said, a few states have passed health insurance requirements. If you live in one of these states -- California, the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, New Jersey, or Rhode Island -- you may owe a state tax penalty unless you are exempt from the state's law.
To learn more, select your state from the list on this page.