I was unemployed up until May 2016, how can avoid getting penalized for not having insurance the months before?

[LindaA]

During the Health Insurance interview, TurboTax will ask questions to determine if you qualify for a penalty waiver when you indicate you have coverage for fewer than 10 months. (There is no penalty for an insurance gap of 2 months or fewer.) The screen that asks Did anyone have a situation that waives the tax penalty for being uninsured? lists the various reasons why a person may be exempt from the penalty:

• Couldn't afford insurance
• Applied for a penalty exemption
• Wasn't required to get insurance
• Had a hardship 

You'll need to click on the Learn more link to see the requirements for a particular waiver. Unemployment is not considered a hardship, but you may qualify for another exception to the penalty. See the TurboTax FAQ below for more information.

You may also try using this HealthCare.gov Exemption Tool to see if you qualify for an Affordable Care Act penalty waiver.

Can I get a health insurance penalty exemption?  https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/4234967