IRS loosening enforcement of ObamaCare mandate

[Ms. Toad]

4. This is an administrative change to make tax filing go more smoothly.

There are a number of triggers that reject electronically filed tax returns (triggering penalties for late filing when the return is filed late). Failure to answer that question is one of the triggers.

This change merely permits improperly completed forms to be filed. It does not mean there isn't a mandate, or that it won't be enforced in the form of a reduced refund when the return is processed. It just means that if you don't answer the question your return is still accepted (as timely filed).

(That doesn't mean there won't be changes down the road - or explain how they might interpret a non-answer when the return is processed. Those questions are still up in the air. But this particular change just smoothes the administrative waters to address a potential mess created by the late attempt to repeal the ACA during the active filing period.)