Avoid a Huge Tax Bill: Estimating Your Income for Health Insurance

With the Health Insurance Open Enrollment period just around the corner, many of us in the Johnson City area are getting ready to choose a plan for next year. I'm Andrew Darlington and the owner of Veritas Risk Management.  We have been helping people with Individual Health Insurance plans since the Affordable Care Act was implemented over 15 years ago.  While comparing benefits and networks is important, the single most critical step in the entire process is estimating your household’s income for the upcoming year.

Getting this number right is the key to unlocking the correct amount of financial assistance. Get it wrong, and you could face a major penalty. As your local health insurance expert, my goal at Veritas Risk Management is to help you navigate this step perfectly to save you money and prevent costly surprises.

The "Goldilocks Rule": Getting Your Income 'Just Right'

No, I'm not referring to Bryan's hair when I say Goldilock Rule.  When you apply for a plan on the Health Insurance Marketplace, your income estimate determines your eligibility for financial help like Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) that lower your monthly premium, or even programs like Medicaid or CHIP. Think of it like the "Goldilocks Rule"—your estimate can't be too high or too low; it has to be just right.

• If you overestimate your income, you might miss out on savings you were entitled to all year long, causing you to overpay every single month.
• If you underestimate your income, you'll receive too much financial assistance upfront, and you will have to pay back the excess when you file your taxes.

A CRITICAL WARNING: The Repayment Safety Net is Gone!

This is the most important part of this message. In previous years, there was a cap on how much of the excess subsidy you would be required to repay. Due to a recent change in the law, that cap has been removed.

What does this mean for you? It means if you underestimate your income and receive, for example, $6,000 more in subsidies than you were eligible for, you could be required to pay back the entire $6,000 to the IRS. For most families in East Tennessee, that is a devastating and unexpected tax bill. Now, more than ever, accuracy is essential.

How We Create an Accurate Estimate Together

An accurate estimate is a projection of what you realistically expect to earn next year, not just a copy of what you made last year. This is where working with an experienced professional is invaluable. I'll help you account for all the variables, including:

• Any expected changes in employment for you or your spouse.
• Fluctuating income from self-employment, gig work, or irregular hours.
• Changes in your household, such as getting married, divorced, or having a child.

Together, we can create a careful and realistic estimate. For a detailed list of what the government does and does not count as income, you can always visit HealthCare.gov.

Your Partner for Total Financial Protection

Getting your income estimate right is about protecting your financial health. At Veritas Risk Management, that's our mission for every part of your life. We take a holistic approach, ensuring your family is also protected with the right Home, Auto, and Life insurance coverage, creating a complete safety net for your peace of mind.

Don't Risk It—Let's Get It Right Together

Don't leave this to guesswork and risk a massive tax bill or miss out on hundreds in savings. As insurance professional with offices in Johnson City and Kingsport, I'm here to guide you through the process, free of charge.

Contact me today to schedule a free consultation- Health, Home, Auto, and Life insurance. We can also help you if you are in need of Medicare.  Just check out our website here.  We'll get your health insurance application right and provide a no-obligation quote to protect your family with our Home, Auto, and Life insurance solutions. 

You can find more in-depth resources on our educational platform at education.veritasrm.com.

Visit our website at VeritasRM.com to learn more and to get in touch with us. We are proud to be your trusted insurance partner in Johnson City, TN and Kingsport, TN and all of East Tennessee.