Minnesota · Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC)
Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC) in Minnesota (2026)
Eligible trade-displaced workers and PBGC pensioners can receive a credit covering 72.5% of qualified health insurance premiums. Minnesota has a progressive income tax with a top rate of 9.85%, so a Minnesota filer's combined marginal rate on the next dollar at $77,706 of income is about 28.8% (22% federal + 6.8% MN).
2026 savings example for Minnesota
Planning estimate for a single filer earning $77,706 (Minnesota median household income in LevyIO's state dataset) who claims a $5,000 credit. Federal tax uses the 2026 IRS brackets after the $16,100 standard deduction; MN tax uses the state brackets in LevyIO's dataset and assumes the state follows the federal treatment.
Estimated total savings
$5,000
Federal savings
$5,000
$8,265 → $3,265 · 22% bracket
MN state savings
$0
Federal credit only; check for a state credit
Combined marginal rate
28.8%
Credits do not depend on the bracket
Federal × Minnesota marginal rates (2026, single)
Gross-income ranges include the federal standard deduction. The MN column is the state marginal rate at the midpoint of each range. A credit saves its face value regardless of bracket.
| Federal bracket | Gross income (single) | MN marginal | Combined | Per $1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $16,100 - $28,500 | 5.35% | 15.35% | $1,000 |
| 12% | $28,500 - $66,500 | 5.35% | 17.35% | $1,000 |
| 22% | $66,500 - $121,800 | 6.8% | 28.8% | $1,000 |
| 24% | $121,800 - $217,875 | 7.85% | 31.85% | $1,000 |
| 32% | $217,875 - $272,325 | 9.85% | 41.85% | $1,000 |
| 35% | $272,325 - $656,700 | 9.85% | 44.85% | $1,000 |
| 37% | Over $656,700 | 9.85% | 46.85% | $1,000 |
Eligibility & forms
Trade-displaced workers receiving TAA benefits and PBGC pension recipients
- Must receive Trade Adjustment Assistance
- Or be a PBGC pension recipient aged 55-64
- Covers 72.5% of qualified health insurance premiums
Federal forms: Form 8885, Form 1040
Minnesota filing notes
High rates make pre-tax contributions important. Use Minnesota's own 2026 standard deduction, not the federal value. Clothing is sales-tax-exempt. The $3M estate tax exemption is well below federal. K-12 education credit and property tax refund programs may matter.
Common mistakes: Not filing monthly with the IRS for advance payments; Missing open enrollment periods; Not keeping proof of qualifying coverage.
Frequently asked questions
How much can the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC) save a Minnesota taxpayer in 2026?
Credits reduce tax dollar-for-dollar. In LevyIO's example, a single filer with $77,706 of income (the Minnesota median household income in our state dataset) and a $5,000 credit would cut 2026 federal tax from $8,265 to $3,265, a $5,000 saving. Whether Minnesota offers a matching state credit depends on the MN return, so the estimate counts federal savings only.
What is the Minnesota income tax rate for 2026?
Minnesota has a progressive income tax with a top rate of 9.85%. The MN standard deduction in LevyIO's dataset is $15,300 single / $30,600 married. Four 2026 brackets to 9.85%. State standard deduction $15,300 single / $30,600 MFJ. Estate tax ($3M). Clothing exempt from sales tax.
Who qualifies for the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC) in Minnesota?
Trade-displaced workers receiving TAA benefits and PBGC pension recipients. The federal rules are the same in every state; the requirements are: Must receive Trade Adjustment Assistance; Or be a PBGC pension recipient aged 55-64; Covers 72.5% of qualified health insurance premiums. Minnesota filers should confirm on the MN return whether the state follows the federal treatment.
Which forms do I file to claim the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC)?
Federal: Form 8885, Form 1040. Minnesota: check the Minnesota Department of Revenue instructions for the matching state schedule. Common mistakes: Not filing monthly with the IRS for advance payments; Missing open enrollment periods; Not keeping proof of qualifying coverage.
Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC) in other states
Sources
Reviewed 2026-09-17. Estimates are educational planning figures computed from the IRS 2026 inflation adjustments and LevyIO's state bracket dataset; they are not tax advice.