Am I allowed to withdraw from my HSA?

Asked by: Rahul Dach  |  Last update: December 3, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (52 votes)

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.

Can I pull money out of my HSA?

Yes, you can withdraw funds from your HSA at any time. But please keep in mind that if you use your HSA funds for any reason other than to pay for a qualified medical expense, those funds will be taxed as ordinary income, and the IRS will impose a 20% penalty.

Can I borrow from my HSA and pay it back?

No.

What happens to money in HSA if not used?

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.

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 However, any funds withdrawn for costs other than qualified medical expenses will result in the IRS imposing a 20% tax penalty. If you leave your job, you don't have to cash out your HSA.

Can HSA Funds be Withdrawn - Under 1 min

38 related questions found

What is the 12 month rule for HSA?

It means you must remain eligible for the HSA until December 31 of the following year. The only exceptions are death or disability. If you violate the testing period requirement, your ineligible contributions become taxable income.

Can I transfer money from my HSA to my bank account?

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.

What is the downside of an HSA?

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).

Can I use HSA for gym membership?

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.

What happens if you use HSA money for non-medical?

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.

Can I use my HSA to pay off debt?

Use your HSA to pay for qualified medical expenses and put the money you would have otherwise used toward your medical debt. Since HSA contributions aren't subject to federal income tax, you could save up to 30% (depending on your tax bracket) on the services for which you pay with said contributions.

Is HSA better than 401k?

Comparing HSAs and 401(k)s

The triple-tax-free aspect of an HSA makes it better for tax management than a 401(k). However, since HSA withdrawals can only be used for healthcare costs, the 401(k) is a more flexible retirement savings tool. The fact that an HSA has no RMD gives it more flexibility than a 401(k).

Can you reimburse yourself out of your HSA?

Yes. As long as you incurred your qualified medical expense after you established your HSA, you can reimburse yourself for those expenses using your HSA money any time.

Can I use HSA for dental?

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.

Can I reverse an HSA withdrawal?

The IRS allows you to correct “mistaken distributions.” You must have made the mistake due to a “reasonable cause” and have “clear and convincing” evidence to support that's what happened. You must return the money no later than April 15 following the year you knew about or should have realized the mistake.

What are the rules for HSA accounts?

Qualifying for an HSA Contribution
  • You are covered under a high deductible health plan (HDHP), described later, on the first day of the month.
  • You have no other health coverage except what is permitted under Other health coverage, later.
  • You aren't enrolled in Medicare.

Can I use HSA for groceries?

No, you can't use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) for straight food purchases like meat, produce and dairy. But you can use them for some nutrition-related products and services. To review, tax-advantaged accounts have regulatory restrictions on eligible products and services.

Is the Apple Watch HSA eligible?

Why other fitness trackers don't qualify. Even though Fitbits and Apple Watches measure important health data, they currently do not qualify for HSA reimbursement, as they are considered for general health use and not intended to treat or manage a specific medical condition.

Can HSA pay for massage?

Your HSA can pay for massage therapy, though you'll likely need a letter of medical necessity (LMN) from your doctor. An LMN states what condition the treatment is for, how many sessions you need, and any other relevant details. An HSA may also be used on alternative or holistic treatments, such as: Massage therapy.

Can I withdraw money from my HSA?

When can I withdraw money from my HSA? You can withdraw money at any time if it's used for qualified medical expenses. However, if you withdraw money for other purposes, your withdrawal will be subject to income tax (if the contribution was pre-tax) and a 20% penalty.

Do I ever lose my HSA money?

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.

What are 3 advantages of an HSA?

1. What are the potential benefits of an HSA?
  • Federal tax advantages.
  • Savings on qualified medical expenses.
  • Many unreimbursed medical expenses qualify.
  • Annual rollover.
  • Others can contribute, including the participant's employer or family member.
  • Convenience.

How much should I put in my HSA per paycheck?

You can start small, perhaps setting aside $25 to $50 per paycheck. Consider also trying to cut back on non-essential spending, such as foregoing one of your app subscriptions, reducing meals out or making your morning cup at home versus going to a coffee shop.

Can HSA be converted to cash?

Yes. Your funds are available if you need to withdraw for eligible medical expenses. If you need to move any of the funds in your investment account to cash to cover a medical expense, you can simply increase your cash threshold and funds will be automatically transferred.

How do I withdraw excess HSA contributions?

You can take out the excess contribution by making a request with your HSA provider, which may involve filling out a form or two. If you have been contributing to your HSA via payroll, you should also inform your employer. Once you take the money out it will be regular taxable income earned.