Myth #2: If I don't spend all my funds this year, I lose it. Reality: HSA funds never expire. When it comes to the HSA, there's no use-it-or-lose-it rule. Unlike Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds, you keep your HSA dollars forever, even if you change employers, health plans, or retire.
6. Are excess contributions subject to a penalty? Yes. In general, an excise tax of 6% for each tax year is imposed on the HSA owner for any excess individual and employer contributions made to their account that are not removed within the same tax year.
If there's a period of inactivity in the account, some institutions may send HSA funds to the state unclaimed property division as abandoned property. When changing jobs, it may also be a good time to review the investment options available at your old HSA provider.
As a practical matter, you are allowed to withdraw funds from your HSA at any time for any reason. But if you aren't using the funds to cover a qualified medical expense, then you'll be stuck paying a penalty tax.
IRS penalty and taxable income
Prior to age 65, if you use your money for non-qualified expenses, the IRS imposes a hefty HSA withdrawal penalty of 20 percent on the amount withdrawn.
Online Transfers – On HSA Bank's member website, you can reimburse yourself for out-of-pocket expenses by making a one-time or reoccurring online transfer from your HSA to your personal checking or savings account.
Unspent HSA funds roll over from year to year. You can hold and add to the tax-free savings to pay for medical care later. HSAs may earn interest that can't be taxed. You generally can't use HSA funds to pay premiums.
Your HSA also covers expenses for standard dental cleanings and dental check-ups. One thing to keep in mind is that some of these procedures may have a co-payment, so it's important that you check with your dental insurance provider to find out exactly what you'll have to pay out of pocket.
If you close your HSA and withdraw all the money, you're going to have to pay income tax on the withdrawal, plus a 20% additional tax if you're under age 65. That's assuming you aren't using the money to reimburse yourself for qualified medical expenses incurred since you established your HSA.
The Last Month Rule
There is a testing period of twelve months. This means you must stay eligible through the end of the next year, or else you will face taxes and penalties.
Can I withdraw the funds from my HSA at any time? Yes, you can withdraw funds from your HSA at any time.
You will see the total amount of your excess contributions for the year on IRS Form 8889, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). This amount is taxable income. If the excess contributions are from your employer, they will include them in your wages when they report them on your W-2.
Drawbacks of HSAs include tax penalties for nonmedical expenses before age 65, and contributions made to the HSA within six months of applying for Social Security benefits may be subject to penalties. HSAs have fewer limitations and more tax advantages than flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
You can repay the incorrect distribution before filing your federal taxes for that tax year. However, if you do not correct the mistake, the unqualified amount will be subject to income tax, and you may also face an additional 20% tax penalty.
In addition, if HSA funds are withdrawn before age 65 and not used for eligible medical expenses are generally subject to an additional 20% tax penalty. In other words, you may lose the tax benefits when you use HSA for non-medical expenses. There may also be a significant tax fee or penalty.
Gym memberships. While some companies and private insurers may offer discounts on gym memberships, you generally can't use your FSA or HSA account to pay for gym or health club memberships. An exception to that rule would be if your doctor deems fitness medically necessary for your recovery or treatment.
Yes! Thanks to the CARES Act, tampons are now considered a “medical expense.” That means you can use pre-tax income to pay for them through your HSA. More questions about tampons?
Both FSA and HSA pre-tax health accounts can be used to pay for prescription glasses, contact lenses, eye exams and more. Eyewear that corrects your vision is considered a medical product, which means you can use your health plans to help cover the cost.
Your HSA can also function as a backup emergency fund, letting you withdraw tax-free cash when you really need it. You can only do this if you delay reimbursing yourself for previous medical expenses you paid out of pocket for. This allows you to withdraw a larger amount of money at a later time.
Deodorant reimbursement is not eligible with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA) or a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA).
Unlike some other health plans where unused funds are forfeited at the end of the year, the money in your HSA is yours to keep. This feature provides flexibility and peace of mind, allowing you to save for future medical expenses or use the funds for other purposes when needed.
Can I cash out my HSA when I leave my job? Yes, you can cash out your HSA at any time. However, any funds withdrawn for costs other than qualified medical expenses will result in the IRS imposing a 20% tax penalty.
At age 65, you can take penalty-free distributions from the HSA for any reason. However, in order to be both tax-free and penalty-free the distribution must be for a qualified medical expense. Withdrawals made for other purposes will be subject to ordinary income taxes.
Here are 3 ways that you can easily add your refunded medical funds back into your HSA Central account: Central Bank Locations – You can easily deposit your medical refund check back into your HSA Central account at any Central Bank location. Just tell the person helping you that the check is for a refund to your HSA.