Can I get in trouble for using HSA money?

Asked by: Bernadine McLaughlin  |  Last update: December 26, 2023
Score: 4.4/5 (28 votes)

If you use your HSA for an expense other than eligible medical expenses you can subject yourself to significant IRS penalties. Inappropriate use of your HSA funds may also leave you without money to pay for your eligible medical expenses in the future.

Is it illegal to use HSA money for anything?

Non-medical expenses

The funds in an HSA can be used for general non-medical purposes, without penalty, once the employee reaches age 65. However, any withdrawn funds used for non-medical purposes are still subject to income tax. If HSA funds are withdrawn for non-medical use before age 65, some penalties apply.

What happens if you misuse HSA funds?

How to fix HSA card mistakes. Unfortunately, you can't just let mistakes like this slide. You can be charged a 20% penalty if you use your HSA funds to pay for a non-qualified medical expense, which would have been $70 in my case (not to mention traditional income taxes would apply, too).

Do I get penalized for withdrawing from HSA account?

The HSA money you take out will be added back to your gross income. Meaning you'll owe taxes. Let's say your tax rate is 20% and you withdraw $1,000 for that new TV - you'll also have to pay back $200 in taxes! On top of the taxes above, there's another 20% penalty for non-qualified withdrawals.

Does the IRS audit HSA accounts?

However, total withdrawals from your HSA are reported to the IRS on Form 1099-SA. You are responsible for reporting qualified and non-qualified withdrawals when completing your taxes. You are also responsible for saving all receipts as verification of expenses in the case of an IRS audit.

Can HSA Funds be Withdrawn - Under 1 min

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Does IRS ask for receipts for HSA?

Always save your receipts and supporting documentation for your records. While Benefit Resource will not ask you to provide a receipt for an HSA expense, you are responsible for maintaining documentation of account use in the event that you are ever audited by the IRS.

Do you have to report HSA to IRS?

You must file Form 8889 if any of the following applies. You (or someone on your behalf, including your employer) made contributions for 2022 to your HSA. You received HSA distributions in 2022. You must include certain amounts in income because you failed to be an eligible individual during the testing period.

What do I do if I accidentally used my HSA card?

If you realize you've made a mistake and want to correct it, simply return the money to your HSA and you will avoid the additional penalty. If you do not return the money to your HSA, it will be counted as taxable income, and even worse, you'll have to pay a 20% penalty.

Can I transfer money from HSA to 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.

How do I prove HSA expenses?

Hold on to any insurance carrier's Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statement that documents your expenses for services covered under your HSA-eligible health plan. Keep receipts for all other items purchased with your HSA, for example, vision and dental services.

What happens if you accidentally use HSA for non medical?

If you use your HSA for an expense other than eligible medical expenses you can subject yourself to significant IRS penalties. Inappropriate use of your HSA funds may also leave you without money to pay for your eligible medical expenses in the future.

What happens if you don't report HSA?

You must self-report any non-qualifying purchases on the Health Savings Account screen. Not claiming the non-qualifying expenses may lead to an audit, and you'll be subject to penalties and fines.

Can I use my HSA to pay rent?

For people who don't generally get sick or spend a lot on medical expenses, an HSA can still prove beneficial. If necessary, you can withdraw money from your HSA for non-medical things, but Hogan doesn't recommend it. If you use your HSA to pay rent or get a new dye job, you will end up being taxed.

Are massages HSA eligible?

Massage Therapy is eligible for reimbursement through most FSA's and HSA's. Some do require a Letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor, but this means you can potentially be reimbursed from your insurance for your massage from us! You just need a note from your primary care physician.

What happens if I use my HSA for Botox?

Money in an FSA or HSA does not cover cosmetic treatments. If you are getting Botox for a medical indication, such as migraine headaches, then you can use the money in your HSA for Botox. But cosmetic treatments are not eligible.

Can I withdraw money from my HSA card at an ATM?

Your HSA Bank Health Benefits Debit Card provides access to your HSA funds at point-of-sale with signature or PIN and at ATMs for withdrawals.

Can you move HSA money to a 401k?

You cannot roll over HSA funds into a 401(k). You also cannot roll over 401(k) money into an HSA.

Can you use HSA on DoorDash?

Summary: DoorDash is making it easier than ever to submit your qualified health purchases for reimbursement through your HSA or FSA account via HSA/FSA receipt reimbursement. Upon completing an order containing HSA/FSA eligible items, you will receive an email receipt with your HSA/FSA eligible items highlighted.

What is the IRS penalty for HSA?

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.

Do I have to report HSA purchases?

When filing your taxes, you are required to file IRS Form 8889 if you (or someone on your behalf, including your employer) made contributions to your HSA, or if you received HSA distributions for the year.

Why is my HSA being counted as income?

Employee contributions to Health Savings Accounts are considered taxable income, but contributions from the employer aren't, in most cases. Limitations There are limits to how much the employee and employer can contribute to the HSA each year.

How far back can HSA be audited?

The math of how long you should save your HSA records include the year the expenses were made, three years for the first audit window, and three years for the second audit window. Save the receipts for a total of seven years. Scenario 2: Save receipts and reimburse yourself later tax free.

How likely will I get audited?

For one thing, your chances statistically of being audited are not likely. The vast majority of more than approximately 150 million taxpayers who file yearly don't have to face it. Less than one percent of taxpayers get one sort of audit or another. Your overall odds of being audited are roughly 0.3% or 3 in 1,000.

How is HSA reported to IRS?

File Form 8889 to: Report health savings account (HSA) contributions (including those made on your behalf and employer contributions). Figure your HSA deduction. Report distributions from HSAs.

Can I buy vitamins with HSA?

With this IRS definition in mind, while daily multivitamins are not FSA/HSA eligible, there are some types of vitamins that are eligible with consumer-directed healthcare accounts and others that may be eligible with proper documentation from a physician.