I received a letter from the irs wanting additional info for form 8885. After reading the letter, it's for those who are self employed. I do not qualify for this.

[minmmm29]

I'm not self employed, but was given this option when filing.  I thought it was for those who had insurance for the year (or individual months).  If this is for those that are self employed, why was I given the option to file this?  How do I correct this?

[MiriamF · Accepted solution]

When you receive a letter from the IRS, you need to respond to it.

If you realize that a mistake was made when you entered information about your health insurance, the best response is to 'fess up. Tell the IRS that TurboTax led you astray, that you didn't realize you were entering something incorrectly, and let us take the fall. Don't send them an amended return unless they request it.

If you incorrectly reported a self-employed insurance deduction, they will add back the amount of the insurance and tax you on that income. They will send you another letter, telling you about the additional tax. You will have the opportunity to accept their changes, or to tell them that you disagree. You may disagree if you could otherwise deduct your insurance cost under your medical expenses in Schedule A. That's a pretty high bar to reach, though, because only medical expenses that exceed 10% of your income are deductible (7.5% if you are over 65).

Much as we at TurboTax try to guide you in the right direction, it's not always possible to think of every avenue you could take to get the wrong answer.