What income counts against Irmaa?

Asked by: Dino Moore  |  Last update: April 21, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (2 votes)

SSA determines if you owe an IRMAA based on the income you reported on your IRS tax return two years prior, meaning two years before the year that you start paying IRMAA. The income that counts is the adjusted gross income you reported plus other forms of tax-exempt income.

What income is included in the Irmaa calculation?

What Type of Income Contributes to IRMAA? IRMAA is based off of what is called your Modified Adjusted Gross Income, or MAGI. This can be confusing to calculate or find because it is not a specific line item on your tax return. To calculate MAGI for Medicare IRMAA, take your AGI and add tax-exempt interest.

What income is not counted?

Nontaxable income won't be taxed, whether or not you enter it on your tax return. The following items are deemed nontaxable by the IRS: inheritances, gifts and bequests. cash rebates on items you purchase from a retailer, manufacturer or dealer.

What tax year is 2025 Irmaa based on?

An Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) is based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from two years ago. In other words, the 2025 IRMAA brackets are based on your MAGI from 2023. If the 2023 amount is unavailable, your 2022 MAGI is used to calculate IRMAA.

Do Social Security payments count toward Irmaa?

Do Social Security benefits count toward IRMAA? Yes, the taxable portion of your Social Security benefits is used to calculate your MAGI, and MAGI determines your IRMAA.

What Types of Income is IRMAA Based on? How to Avoid the Medicare Surcharge

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Do 401k distributions count as income for Irmaa?

It does not include withdrawals from Roth 401(k)s and/or Roth IRAs. The IRMAA surcharge is determined by your earnings for two years prior to signing up for Medicare. Your income at 63 years old will affect what you pay for Medicare when you turn 65.

What income is used to determine Medicare premiums in 2024?

So, the SSA looks at your 2022 tax returns to see if you must pay an IRMAA in 2024. For 2024, beneficiaries whose 2022 income exceeded $103,000 (individual return) or $206,000 (joint return) pay a total premium amount ranging from $244.60 to $594 depending on income.

How many years does Irmaa last?

IRMAA is determined by income from your income tax returns two years prior. This means that for your 2024 Medicare premiums, your 2022 income tax return was used. And for your 2025 premiums, your 2023 tax return will be used. IRMAA applicability and amounts are recalculated annually.

How to avoid irmaa?

Reducing your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) is the best way to avoid an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) for Medicare. More specifically, reducing your 2025 MAGI can help you reduce (or avoid) IRMAA in 2027 and beyond.

What income is used to determine Medicare premiums in 2025?

The amount you pay for Medicare premiums depends not only on the standard rates but also on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from two years prior. So, for example, the 2025 IRMAA brackets will be based on your income in 2023.

What is excluded as income?

Key Takeaways. Income excluded from the IRS's calculation of your income tax includes life insurance death benefit proceeds, child support, welfare, and municipal bond income. The exclusion rule is generally, if your "income" cannot be used as or to acquire food or shelter, it's not taxable.

What is countable income for Medicare?

Be working and earning income (this can be part-time work). Have countable income less than 250% of the federal poverty level (in 2024, this equates to $3,158/mo. for individuals or $4,280/mo. for couples; these figures include the $20 disregard).

What kind of income does not count against Social Security?

For the earnings limits, we don't count income such as other government benefits, investment earnings, interest, pensions, annuities, and capital gains.

What 1040 line is Irmaa based on?

That means your 2024 premiums and IRMAA determinations are calculated based on MAGI from your 2022 federal tax return. MAGI is calculated as Adjusted Gross Income (line 11 of IRS Form 1040) plus tax-exempt interest income (line 2a of IRS Form 1040).

What income level triggers higher Medicare premiums?

If you file your taxes as "married, filing jointly" and your MAGI is greater than $212,000, you'll pay higher premiums for your Part B and Medicare prescription drug coverage. If you file your taxes using a different status, and your MAGI is greater than $106,000, you'll pay higher premiums.

What income does Irmaa look at?

You calculate IRMAA by looking at your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from two years ago. The IRS shares this info with Medicare, who then sets the rate.

How do you fight Irmaa?

As a beneficiary, you have the right to appeal if you believe that an Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) is incorrect for one of the qualifying reasons. First, you must request a reconsideration of the initial determination from the Social Security Administration.

Do 401k contributions reduce Irmaa?

If you are still working and can make tax-deductible contributions to a traditional IRA or traditional 401(k), TSP, 403(b), or 457 plan, you can reduce your taxable income and reduce or avoid IRMAA.

Does rental income count towards Irmaa?

Key Points. IRMAA is an extra charge for individuals with higher incomes and can impact your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums. IRMAA is based on your MAGI, which includes various income sources such as taxable Social Security benefits, retirement distributions, rental income, and more.

Can I get an Irmaa refund?

Can you get a refund on Irmaa Medicare? Yes, if you've paid more than the standard Medicare Part B premium, an IRMAA refund can be applied for.

Does social security automatically adjust irmaa?

IRMAA is calculated every year. That means if your income is higher or lower year after year, your IRMAA status can change. If the SSA determines you must pay an IRMAA, you'll receive a notice with the new premium amount and the reason for their determination.

Does Irmaa apply to both spouses?

IRMAA applies to both spouses when both are on Medicare. Medicare premiums are charged to each individual beneficiary as there is no “family plan.”

Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?

Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.

Does social security count as income for extra help?

We will count only part of the applicant's earnings toward the income limit if the applicant: Works; ▪ Receives Social Security benefits based on a disability or blindness; and ▪ Has work-related expenses that are not reimbursed.