How to calculate modified adjusted gross income for Medicare premiums?

Asked by: Dr. Yasmeen Abernathy  |  Last update: September 1, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (7 votes)

Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) is the sum of:
  1. the beneficiary's adjusted gross income (AGI) (found on line 11 of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax filing form 1040), plus.
  2. tax-exempt interest income (line 2a of IRS Form 1040).

How does Medicare calculate modified adjusted gross income?

MAGI is adjusted gross income (AGI) plus these, if any: untaxed foreign income, non-taxable Social Security benefits, and tax-exempt interest. For many people, MAGI is identical or very close to adjusted gross income. MAGI doesn't include Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

How do I find my modified adjusted gross income?

To figure your modified adjusted gross income, start with your AGI and add:
  1. IRA contributions.
  2. Student loan interest – Form 1040, Schedule 1, line 21.
  3. Foreign earned income and housing exclusions - Form 2555, line 45.
  4. Foreign housing deduction or income exclusion - Form 2555, line 50.

What income is used to determine Medicare premiums 2024-2023?

We use the most recent federal tax return the IRS provides to us. If you must pay higher premiums, we use a sliding scale to calculate the adjustments. This is based on your "modified adjusted gross income" (MAGI). Your MAGI is your total adjusted gross income and tax-exempt interest income.

Does social security count towards modified adjusted gross income?

Social Security income includes Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), retirement income, and survivor's benefits. These forms of income are counted in MAGI, even when not taxable. aged, blind, or disabled or who are very low income and have limited assets. SSI is not taxed and does not count towards MAGI.

Modified Adjusted Gross Income Explained - Easy To Understand!

29 related questions found

How to calculate magi for irmaa 2024?

According to Social Security your MAGI is the total of your adjusted gross income (AGI) and any tax-exempt interest you may have. Both of these can be found on lines 2a and 11 of your 2022 IRS tax form 1040.

What is usually not included in the adjusted gross income?

Bonuses, tips, alimony and even gambling winnings are also part of gross income. You generally do not include life insurance payments, child support, loan proceeds, inheritances or gifts in your AGI, though.

What income level triggers higher Medicare premiums?

If you earn more than $106,000 ($212,000 if you're married), you pay higher monthly rates for both Medicare Part B and D. Currently insured? It's free, simple and secure. For 2025, your costs for Medicare Parts B and D are based on the income on your 2023 tax return.

Is modified AGI after standard deduction?

Modified adjusted gross income can be defined as your household's AGI after any tax-exempt interest income and after factoring in certain tax deductions.1 Knowing your MAGI can help reduce an individual's taxable income (to account for your retirement account contributions), factor in the eligibility for benefits like ...

Does social security count as income for extra help?

We will count only part of the applicant's earnings toward the income limit if the applicant: Works; ▪ Receives Social Security benefits based on a disability or blindness; and ▪ Has work-related expenses that are not reimbursed.

What reduces your magi?

Selling taxable investments at a loss can help reduce your MAGI. This is because capital losses offset capital gains, which in turn reduces your total income subject to taxes. The key here is balancing between realizing profits from selling high-performing assets versus claiming losses on underperforming ones.

How can I estimate my adjusted gross income?

The AGI calculation is relatively straightforward. It is equal to the total income you report that's subject to income tax—such as earnings from your job, self-employment, dividends and interest from a bank account—minus specific deductions, or “adjustments” that you're eligible to take.

Does 401k count towards magi?

The Bottom Line. A 401(k) retirement plan will reduce both your AGI and MAGI, as contributions are taken out of your salary before taxes are deducted. This in effect reduces your salary in relation to taxes.

How do I calculate my modified adjusted gross income?

Your MAGI (modified adjusted gross income) is your AGI plus certain deductions you must “add back.” These deductions include IRA contributions, student loan interest, one-half of self-employment tax, qualified tuition expenses, and more.

Does the sale of a house count as income for Medicare premiums?

Home sales.

If your capital gain from the sale of a home exceeds the exclusion amount ($250,000 for individuals, $500,000 for joint filers), it will be treated as taxable income. So, if you made a sizable profit downsizing, it could show up in your IRMAA calculation two years later.

How to reduce magi for Medicare?

You can further minimize your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) by utilizing tax-efficient investments in your plan-vanilla brokerage accounts. In a brokerage account, you pay taxes on interest, dividends, and gains realized in the current year.

Is social security included in Magi for Medicare premiums?

A key concept here is that while many believe Medicare operates at a fixed cost or standard premium regardless of one's total gross income; it doesn't. Instead, premiums vary based on MAGI which includes all forms of taxable and non-taxable income – yes even social security benefits.

Where can I find my magi?

Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) is the sum of:
  • the beneficiary's adjusted gross income (AGI) (found on line 11 of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax filing form 1040), plus.
  • tax-exempt interest income (line 2a of IRS Form 1040).

Does the standard deduction reduce your adjusted gross income?

Your adjusted gross income is that amount minus certain qualified expenses and adjustments. You then subtract either the standard deduction or the total of your itemized deductions for the year. You can't take both itemized deductions and the standard deduction.

What income is used to determine Medicare premiums in 2024?

Medicare premiums are calculated using your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from your tax return for two years prior to the current year. For example, if you're paying premiums in 2024, these will be based on your 2022 MAGI.

What is the difference between AGI and magi?

Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) in the simplest terms is your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) plus a few items—like exempt or excluded income and certain deductions. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) uses your MAGI to determine your eligibility for certain tax deductions, credits, and retirement savings plans.

Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?

Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.

How to figure out your adjusted gross income?

You can determine your AGI by calculating your annual income from wages and other income sources (gross income), then subtracting certain types of payments, such as student loan interest, alimony, retirement contributions, or health savings account contributions, you've made during the year.

What deductions are allowed in figuring your adjusted gross income?

You can deduct these expenses whether you take the standard deduction or itemize:
  • Alimony payments.
  • Business use of your car.
  • Business use of your home.
  • Money you put in an IRA.
  • Money you put in health savings accounts.
  • Penalties on early withdrawals from savings.
  • Student loan interest.
  • Teacher expenses.

Is modified adjusted gross income after standard deduction?

Your AGI is calculated before you take your standard or itemized deduction on Form 1040. Your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is your adjusted gross income with some of those adjustments added back.