What happens if I underestimate my income for Obamacare in 2024?

Asked by: Rebeka Beier  |  Last update: December 9, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (62 votes)

For the 2024 tax year, if you underestimated your income and received a larger tax credit than you were eligible for, you must repay the difference between the amount of premium tax credit you received and the amount you were eligible for.

What happens if I underestimate my income for Obamacare?

If the consumer underestimated their income at the time of application and excess APTC was paid on their behalf during the year, they would have to repay some or all of the excess tax credit when they file. There are maximum repayment limits which vary depending on income, shown in Table 3.

What if I overestimate my income for Obamacare in 2024?

When you file your taxes, if your income is less than what you told us on your application, you may receive a credit or refund. If your income is more than what you told us on your application, you may have to repay some or all of the advanced premium tax credits that you got.

What is the highest income to qualify for Obamacare in 2024?

To qualify for assistance under the Affordable Care Act, your income generally must fall between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level. For 2024 coverage, this range is $14,580 to $58,320 for an individual and $30,000 to $120,000 for a family of four.

What if I don't make enough money for Obamacare?

If you don't qualify or feel you can't afford a Marketplace plan, you can find low-cost health care at a nearby community health center. Get more information about your coverage options through the Marketplace.

How to Qualify For ACA Health Insurance Subsidies As An Early Retiree

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How can I avoid paying back my premium tax credit?

Report any changes in your income during the year to the Marketplace, so your credit can be adjusted and you can avoid any significant repayments at the end of the year.

How much is Obamacare penalty?

The penalty for not having coverage the entire year will be at least $900 per adult and $450 per dependent child under 18 in the household when you file your 2023 state income tax return in 2024. A family of four that goes uninsured for the whole year would face a penalty of at least $2,700.

What disqualifies you from the premium tax credit?

For tax years other than 2021 and 2022, if your household income on your tax return is more than 400 percent of the federal poverty line for your family size, you are not allowed a premium tax credit and will have to repay all of the advance credit payments made on behalf of you and your tax family members.

How much is Obamacare a month for a single person?

Monthly premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plans vary by state and can be reduced by premium tax credits. The average national monthly health insurance cost for one person on an Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan without premium tax credits in 2024 is $477.

Do you have to pay back the subsidy?

If you increased your income within the tax year, you may have received a larger credit than what you should have. In this case, you need to pay back a portion or all of the money you received from the government. If you earned less income than estimated, you may be entitled to a higher tax subsidy.

Does Obama Care check your income?

The Health Insurance Marketplace® uses annual household income and other information to decide if you qualify for savings on health coverage through the Marketplace (like the premium tax credit) and other cost savings, like lower copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles (also called cost-sharing reductions).

What happens if you don't report income?

If you don't include taxable income on your return, it can lead to penalties and interest. The IRS may charge penalties and interest beginning from the date they think you owe the tax.

What is the penalty for underestimating income in Obamacare 2024?

For the 2024 tax year, if you underestimated your income and received a larger tax credit than you were eligible for, you must repay the difference between the amount of premium tax credit you received and the amount you were eligible for.

What happens if I overestimate my income for Obamacare in 2024?

If you overestimate your income and end up claiming less help than you are entitled to, the difference will be refunded to you when you file your income taxes the following year.

Can you be turned down for Obamacare?

No insurance plan can reject you, charge you more, or refuse to pay for essential health benefits for any condition you had before your coverage started. Once you're enrolled, the plan can't deny you coverage or raise your rates based only on your health.

How to calculate ACA affordability 2024?

Calculating Affordability Using the FPL Safe Harbor

The FPL Safe Harbor is the easiest to calculate. For 2024 calendar year plans, the FPL Safe Harbor is satisfied, if the required monthly employee contribution for self-only coverage does not exceed 8.39% of the federal poverty line divided by 12.

How much income to qualify for Obamacare 2025?

Premium tax credits are available to people who buy Marketplace coverage and whose income is at least as high as the federal poverty level. For an individual, that means an income of at least $15,060 in 2025. For a family of four, that means an income of at least $31,200 in 2025.

Will I have to pay back my premium tax credit?

If at the end of the year you've taken more premium tax credit in advance than you're due based on your final income, you'll have to pay back the excess when you file your federal tax return. If you've taken less than you qualify for, you'll get the difference back.

What income should I use for marketplace?

Marketplace savings are based on your expected household income for the year you want coverage, not last year's income. You'll be asked about your current monthly income and then about your yearly income.

What is the penalty for ACA 2024?

Employers Not Offering Coverage: For 2024, an ALE that does not offer coverage or that offers coverage to fewer than 95% of its full-time employees (and their dependents) during the calendar year owes a penalty equal to the number of full-time employees employed for the year (minus up to 30) multiplied by $2,970, as ...

Can you make too little for Obamacare?

The Affordable Care Act enrollment process will help you sign up for Medicaid in your state. If your income is below 100% of the federal poverty level, you are probably not eligible for savings on an ACA plan or for Medicaid solely based on income.

Will Obamacare affect my tax return?

The premium tax credit was established by the Affordable Care Act. It makes health insurance premiums for coverage purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace more affordable for eligible individuals. The premium tax credit is the main way that having Obamacare impacts your taxes.