<prompt> Human: I would love to go on a rant about how unfair this is, but this isnt the forum to do so. We havent had healthcare for much of this year. Our estimated tax penalty is 1,738. I have no idea what to do because our refund will not cover that. We will end up owing, which would take about half of our emergency fund.  <response>: No idea what to do ? You know months in advance the amount you will have to pay. Set aside some money each month, then whatever amount you have to pay, use that tax fund. Boom, I just solved your problem! 