How to estimate your income for CoverME.gov without getting burned

Your subsidy is based on what you expect to earn next year. Guess wrong in either direction and it costs you.

Too low

You get more help each month than you were entitled to, and some of it is reconciled on your tax return. For many households the amount is capped, but it is still a surprise in April.

Too high

You pay more than you needed to all year. You may get some back on the return, but you lived without it.

How to land on a number

1. Start from last year's return (modified adjusted gross income, not just wages).
2. Adjust for what you know: a raise, a new contract, a slow season, a partner's job.
3. If self-employed, use profit after expenses, not sales.
4. Round to something you could explain to a preparer.

Update it when life changes

You can report an income change on CoverME.gov any time, and your credit adjusts going forward. We remind clients to call us when business changes, not in December.

We give no tax advice; your preparer handles the return. We do help you pick a number you can stand behind.