I filed for bankruptcy in December of 2024. If I file for a health coverage exemption, what months would my exemption cover?

[DawnC]

You no longer pay a tax penalty (fee) for not having health coverage. If you don’t have coverage, you don't need an exemption to avoid paying a penalty at tax time. 

[TNina84]

Thanks for your reply. A quick clarification, does the no fee apply to California as well?

[MonikaK1]

California does still impose a penalty through its state tax return for taxpayers who don't have health coverage or a qualified exemption. Some exemptions require an exemption application through Covered California. Other exemptions do not require an application: Instead, you can claim them when you file your state tax return.

Beginning January 1, 2020, California residents must either:

• Have qualifying health insurance coverage
• Obtain an exemption from the requirement to have coverage
• Pay a penalty when they file their state tax return

If you wish to request an exemption from the California penalty based on bankruptcy, see this Covered California webpage. Bankruptcy is one of the General Hardship Exemptions that you can apply for at their website.

See this Covered California article for more information about the penalty exemptions.

@TNina84