What is a premium tax credit and how does it work?
Asked by: Prof. Alexzander Heaney | Last update: December 20, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (68 votes)
Do 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 is the purpose of the premium tax credit?
More information is available in the IRS Statement about Letter 6534. The premium tax credit – also known as PTC – is a refundable credit that helps eligible individuals and families cover the premiums for their health insurance purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
How does the healthcare tax credit affect my tax return?
This means you'll compare the amount you used to lower your monthly premium costs with the actual amount of financial help you qualified for, based on your final income for the year. ∎ If there's a difference, it will affect your refund or what you owe when you file your taxes. Marketplace coverage. credit.
What is the highest income to qualify for ACA?
In 2025, you'll typically be eligible for ACA subsidies if you earn between $15,060 and $60,240 as a single person. A family of four is eligible with a household income between $31,200 and $124,800.
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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.
Should I use all of my premium tax credits?
You can use all, some, or none of your premium tax credit in advance to lower your monthly premium. If you use more advance payments of the tax credit than you qualify for based on your final yearly income, you must repay the difference when you file your federal income tax return.
Does a tax credit reduce your taxes?
A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction of the income tax owed. A tax credit directly decreases the amount of tax you owe . Common credits include the Earned Income Tax Credit, American Opportunity Tax Credit, and the Child Tax Credit.
Do you get money back on taxes for medical?
The IRS allows you to deduct unreimbursed expenses for preventative care, treatment, surgeries, and dental and vision care as qualifying medical expenses. You can also deduct unreimbursed expenses for visits to psychologists and psychiatrists.
How much do I need to make to qualify for premium tax credit?
How much can I earn and qualify for premium tax credits in the Marketplace? 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.
What can I write off on my taxes?
- Bad debts.
- Canceled debt on home.
- Capital losses.
- Donations to charity.
- Gains from sale of your home.
- Gambling losses.
- Home mortgage interest.
- Income, sales, real estate and personal property taxes.
Who is not eligible for Obamacare?
Must live in the United States. Must be a U.S. citizen or national (or be lawfully present). Learn about eligible immigration statuses. Cannot be incarcerated in prison or jail.
How do I know if I had premium tax credit?
Complete all sections of Form 8962. On Line 26, you'll find out if you used more or less premium tax credit than you qualify for based on your final 2024 income. This will affect the amount of your refund or tax due. Include your completed Form 8962 with your 2024 federal tax return.
Why do I owe so much premium tax credit?
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.
Can I cancel my employer health insurance and get Obamacare?
Answer: Legally speaking, you certainly can decide to purchase insurance through the online Healthcare Marketplace or health insurance exchange rather than choosing your employer's plan. Obamacare is available to everyone, whether or not their employers offer insurance.
How does a tax credit work for dummies?
What Is a Tax Credit? A tax credit lowers the amount of money you must pay the IRS. Not to be confused with deductions, tax credits reduce your final tax bill dollar for dollar. That means that if you owe Uncle Sam $5,000, a $2,000 credit would shave $2,000 off your total tax bill and you would only owe $3,000.
Which is worth more, a $200 deduction or a $200 credit?
A $200 tax credit results in a $200 reduction in the tax liability. This is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the tax liability. With a $200 tax deduction, the total tax is $1,470. With a $200 tax credit, the total tax is $1,300.
Is a tax credit good or bad?
Key Takeaways
Nonrefundable tax credits lower the amount of taxes you owe. If the credits are greater than the tax you owe, they'll reduce your tax to zero, but you won't receive the balance as a refund. If you qualify for a “refundable” tax credit, you'll receive the entire amount of the credit.
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.
Who Cannot take the premium tax credit?
If you enroll in an employer-sponsored plan, including retiree coverage, that is minimum essential coverage you are not eligible for the Premium Tax Credit for your Marketplace coverage, even if the employer plan is unaffordable or fails to provide minimum value.
How do premium tax credits affect my refund?
If you choose not to get advance credit payments, the full amount of the premium tax credit you are allowed will lower the amount of tax you owe for the year, or increase your refund to the extent your premium tax credit is more than the amount of tax you owe.
What is the most expensive health insurance?
Platinum health insurance is the most expensive type of health care coverage you can purchase. You pay low out-of-pocket expenses for appointments and services, but high monthly premiums. Plans typically feature a small deductible or no deductible and cheap copays or coinsurance.