Health insurance for real estate professionals
Real estate agents who work as independent contractors generally arrange their own health insurance. The IRS treats licensed agents as self-employed for federal tax purposes when substantially all their pay is tied to sales and a written contract says they are not employees. Commissions arrive when deals close, which makes the Marketplace income estimate tricky. Sam Clayland helps you build a realistic number and compare your options on a free 25-minute call.
What makes your situation different
The IRS may treat you as self-employed
Licensed real estate agents are statutory nonemployees when substantially all their pay is tied to sales and a written contract says they will not be treated as employees. In plain terms, the IRS treats them as self-employed for federal tax purposes. Check your own agreement.
One closing can move your whole year
Marketplace savings use your estimated net income for the coverage year, and any advance credit gets reconciled at tax time. A big December closing can change what you owe, so update your estimate when your pipeline changes.
Your premiums may be deductible
If you had a net profit from self-employment and were not eligible for a subsidized employer plan, including a spouse's, you may be able to deduct premiums for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents. A tax professional can confirm the amount.
Sam to confirm: this page matches how you work with these clients, and add a real example
What Sam will ask
- What did you net after expenses last year?
- What is already under contract for this year?
- Is your spouse eligible for an employer plan?
- Do you have an assistant or a team on payroll?
Handy, but not required
- Last year's net income, or a good estimate
- Your pipeline for the coming year
- Any employer plan available to your spouse
Common questions
Do real estate agents get health insurance from their brokerage?
It depends on the brokerage. If you work as an independent contractor, expect to arrange your own coverage unless your agreement says otherwise.
How do I estimate income when my commissions are uneven?
Use last year's net as a starting point, adjust for what is under contract, and update your Marketplace estimate if the year changes. Advance credits get reconciled at tax time.
Not you? Other kinds of work:
1099 contractors · people who work with their hands · restaurant owners and staff · small business owners