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The Daily Insight

How does the Affordable Care Act affect my taxes?

Author

Michael Gray

Updated on March 31, 2026

To raise additional revenue for reform, the ACA imposed excise taxes on health insurers, pharmaceutical companies, and manufacturers of medical devices; raised taxes on high-income families; and in-creased limits on the income tax deduction for medical expenses.

Who is eligible for health coverage tax credit?

The Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC) is a federal tax credit administered by the IRS, for 72.5 percent of health care insurance premiums, which may apply to certain individuals who are at least 55 and up to 65 years of age and are receiving benefits from PBGC.

Do you have to pay back premium tax credit for 2021?

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, enacted on March 11, 2021, suspended the requirement to repay excess advance payments of the premium tax credit (excess APTC) for tax year 2020. If you have excess APTC for 2020, you are not required to report it on your 2020 tax return or file Form 8962, Premium Tax Credit.

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.

Does Obamacare take your tax refund?

Almost all taxpayers must report health care coverage, claim a coverage exemption or report a shared responsibility payment. The IRS will not accept tax returns that do not reflect at least one of these options if filed electronically.

What is the tax credit for health insurance?

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.

Can you get a tax credit on the ACA?

Obtaining a premium tax credit on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchange could be one they’ve already made. Why does this matter?

What makes you eligible for the premium tax credit?

Eligibility for the Premium Tax Credit. You may be allowed a premium tax credit if: Your health insurance premiums for at least one of those same months are paid by the original due date of your return.

What are the rules for Obamacare tax credits?

The rules are the same as for 2019 and earlier, subject to one exception: For 2021 only, if you received unemployment compensation for any part of the year, your premium tax credits will be paid as if your 2021 income was no higher than 133% of the federal poverty level, regardless of your actual income.