Covered California tax filing

[Lswong481]

My husband and I are under Covered California for our health insurance since June 2024 due to job loss.   We are married filed separately for the last 7 years.  In order to get the discounted Covered California rates, we have to "file jointly" in their enrollment option.  I have the following questions:

1.   Are  we require to start filing jointly moving forward in order to get the discounted Covered California rates?  Do we owe the balance of the premiums if we continue to file separately?

2.  I own a separate property that I've inherited and didn't want to commingle with my husband, therefore I was filing separately for years.  Will file jointly consider commingling?  If not, how do I file jointly without commingling my inherited property?

3.  Is there a tax advantage if I pick as head of household?

[xmasbaby0]

You do not get to "pick as head of household."   That is a very specific tax filing status --and if you and your spouse live together you --or your spouse---cannot file as HOH.

[KNDavis]

Hi Lswong481,

To answer your first question,  in order to get any premium subsidies for your health insurance, you must file married filing jointly.  If you continue to file married filing separately, you are not eligible for any premium subsidy.  You would owe the premium for the policy without any government subsidy.

Regarding your inherited property and the consequences of married filing jointly, that is more of a legal question that I am not qualified to address.  

Since you are married and live with your spouse, you are not eligible for HOH filing status.  HOH status is for unmarried individuals who provide a home for a qualifying child or relative.  Your choices are Married Filing Jointly or Married Filing Separately.

I hope this additional information is helpful!

Kimberly, CPA for over 30 years