Married at end of year; excess payment to IRS due to NJ GetCovered (marketplace), help!

[TPergu60]

My husband and I got married in December 2025, and we were both employed all year. I had health insurance through NJ GetCovered (marketplace).

How is the premium tax credit calculated so that the entire income for both of us, does not create an excess repayment to IRS? I'm so confused by this :( 

EDIT: Is there a way to indicate that because we only got married in December, the marketplace was based on my income as single?

[DianeW777]

Filing jointly or separately will be your determining factor and show the best way to file in your situation. You could have a repayment if you file jointly, however checking both ways will allow you to know the best results overall. Be sure to factor in your state return results as well. 

Even if only one spouse was on the plan, you must report the 1095-A information if you are filing a joint return. You can file married filing separately and jointly to see the best results.

• Instructions Form 8962

Create three accounts is using TurboTax Online, one for each of you and then a joint return. This will allow you to compare the best results and how to file.

For TurboTax Desktop you can use the What if Worksheet to check the difference between married filing jointly or separately.

1. Click on Forms in the upper right > Click on Open Form in the upper left when in Forms mode.  
2. Type in What-if then click to open

[TPergu60]

But don't we have to file MFJ because we got married last year?

Is there a way to indicate that because we only got married in December, the marketplace was based on my income as single?

[Vanessa A]

When you get married you can either file Married Filing Jointly or Married Filing Separately.  However, if you file separately you are not eligible for the Premium Tax Credit.

As you walk through entering the 1095-A, you will be asked if you got married last year.  Say yes. Then hit continue and select the month you were married. This will make the adjustments for the extra income for getting married.  Be sure that in the W-2 section that you assign the income to the correct person and do the same with the 1095-A.  

The ACA/1095-A questions are now found in the deductions and credits section under medical. 

 

1. Federal
2. Deductions and Credits
3. See All Tax Breaks
4. Show More next to medical
5. Start next to the Affordable Care Act (Form 1095-A)
6. Walk through the steps to enter your 1095-A information
    

You can get there by typing 1095 in the search box and then click jump to or you can click