Skip to main content

Author: Hummingbird Insurance

What’s the most I would have to repay the IRS?

That depends on what your actual annual income turns out to be. If your income goes over 400% FPL you will have to repay the full advance premium tax credit amount you received. If your actual annual modified adjusted gross income is higher than what you projected but less than 400% FPL, there are repayment limits based on income. On your tax return, you will compare the actual amount of advance premium tax credit you received during the year to the amount you should have received based on your modified adjusted gross income, and then pay back the excess up to the repayment limit.

My income is uneven during the year. Some months I earn very little, other months are much better. I think my annual income will be low enough to qualify for subsidies next year, but I’m not sure. What if I’m wrong?

It’s common for income to fluctuate, particularly if you are self-employed, perform seasonal work or have multiple jobs. To achieve the most accurate premium tax credit amount, you should report income changes to the health insurance Marketplace during the year, as they happen. Otherwise, if you claim a premium tax credit during the year based on estimated income and your actual income for the year edges over 400% FPL, you will need to pay back the full credit amount. To avoid this result, if you estimate your annual income will be close to 400% FPL, you could also consider waiting until you file your taxes to take all or a portion of the premium tax credit on your tax return instead of receiving advance payments.