Additional Medicare Tax Guide
Tax EstimatorDo You Owe Additional Medicare Tax?
This 0.9% tax applies to high earners. Use this simple estimator to see if you're affected and learn how to plan ahead to avoid penalties.
Tax Estimator
Select your filing status and enter your total annual earnings to estimate your potential tax.
Combine Medicare wages and self-employment income.
Estimated Additional Medicare Tax:
$0
Based on your entries, you are below the threshold.
Key Planning Benefits
Understanding this tax allows you to take control. Here's how proper planning helps:
1. Avoid Underpayment Penalties
The biggest benefit is avoiding costly IRS penalties. If you anticipate owing this tax, you can increase your income tax withholding on Form W-4 or make quarterly estimated payments (Form 1040-ES) to cover the liability throughout the year.
2. Claim Credits for Over-Withholding
If your employer withholds the tax but your total household income is below the joint filing threshold, you can get it all back. Form 8959 is how you calculate your actual liability (which may be $0) and claim a credit for any excess tax withheld.
3. Leverage Your Filing Status
The threshold for married couples filing jointly ($250,000) is more than double the threshold for married filing separately ($125,000). This provides a significant advantage, often allowing a couple to avoid the tax entirely when they otherwise might owe it separately.