Primary-source guidance
Retirement tax and Medicare guides
Read the timing, definitions, special cases, and official sources behind each calculator result.
2026 Medicare premiums and IRMAA brackets
The official 2026 Medicare Part B premium, deductible, IRMAA brackets, Part B adjustments, and Part D income-related adjustments in one table.
IRMAA timing guideHow the IRMAA two-year lookback works
Understand which tax return Medicare uses for IRMAA, why a 2026 income event can affect 2028 premiums, and when SSA may use newer income evidence.
Medicare premium reconsiderationForm SSA-44 life-changing events
Review the life-changing events listed on Form SSA-44, the two-step evidence process, and limits of an IRMAA reduction request.
Worked income-cliff scenariosRoth conversion and IRMAA examples
Worked examples showing how a taxable Roth conversion amount can change MAGI, Medicare premium tiers, and future-year planning.
IRS Publication 915 guideHow taxable Social Security benefits are calculated
A plain-English guide to combined income, the 50% and 85% layers, filing-status base amounts, and common Social Security tax misunderstandings.
Retirement distribution planningHow RMDs can affect IRMAA
Understand how taxable required minimum distributions can affect Medicare MAGI, Roth conversion room, and income-related premium planning.