What do I need to know about the healthcare premium tax credit in 2021 for filing in 2022?

[annagem]

Last year I did not claim the healthcare premium tax credit. I paid the exorbitant premiums out-of-pocket. This year I decided to use the credit, since it was available to me based on my projected income. This means my premiums have been lower (or more accurately, I've paid less than the premiums, as allowed.) However, what does this mean for tax filing in 2022 for 2021? I assume as long as I end 2021 with the same or less income  than I reported on healthcare.gov to receive the premium tax credit, I would owe NOTHING, yes?? Thanks for being here to assist!

[JordanK_EA · Accepted solution]

Hi Anna! While this is a little off topic for the event, I'm happy to assist! You are correct in your assumption, that as long as your income that you reported on healthcare.gov is close to the income that is on your 2021 tax return there will be little to no effect on your premium tax credit. No matter what, however, you will be required to file Form 8962 for the Premium Tax Credit to reconcile your Advance Payments to what you're actually eligible for, for 2021. See this link for more information on the reconciliation.  

Edit: I should also note, that if your income is more than what you claimed originally, you will be required to pay back some of the advance that you received throughout the year. 

[annagem]

Understood. I plan to log back into my healthcare plan and re-evaluate, anyway, so I will be sure to do that so I'm not surprised next year.

Thanks!