Can I use HSA for non-medical expenses?

Asked by: Jessy Gleason  |  Last update: January 20, 2024
Score: 4.7/5 (26 votes)

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 However, any withdrawn funds used for non-medical purposes are still subject to income tax.

Can you use HSA for anything other than medical?

If you have money in your HSA when you turn 65, you can spend it on anything you want — but if you aren't spending it for a qualified medical expense it will be taxed as income at your then current tax rate. You can use HSA funds to pay for deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and other qualified medical expenses.

Can I use my HSA for non healthcare?

Short Answer: Non-medical HSA distributions are subject to ordinary income tax at all ages, and they are also subject to a 20% additional tax for individuals who are under age 65. Unlike a health FSA or HRA, the HSA can be used for both medical and non-medical expenses.

How do I withdraw from HSA for non-medical?

You can submit a withdrawal request form to receive funds (cash) from your HSA. If the cash is used to pay for ineligible purchases, it must be reported when you're filing your taxes. Once it's reported, it's subject to an income tax and treated as though it had never been in your tax-free HSA.

Can you 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.

MESSA ABC: Can I use money in my HSA for non-medical expenses?

41 related questions found

Can you buy toilet paper with HSA?

Toiletries are not eligible for reimbursement 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). What are toiletries?

Can I use my HSA for gas?

Fuel is eligible for transportation to and from medical care, up to the allowed mileage rate. Fuel, gasoline for medical care reimbursement is eligible with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Can you pull cash out of HSA?

Yes. You can withdraw funds from your HSA anytime. But keep in mind that if you use 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.

What happens to HSA funds not used?

HSA money is yours to keep. Unlike a flexible spending account (FSA), unused money in your HSA isn't forfeited at the end of the year; it continues to grow, tax-deferred. What happens if my employment is terminated? HSAs are portable and move with you if you change employment.

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 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.

How do I spend my HSA money?

You can use it just like a regular debit card for transactions in-store, online, at the doctor, and at other medical merchants. Digital Wallet - Use your card through your preferred mobile wallet: Apple Pay®, Samsung Pay, or Google Pay™.

Can you use HSA for Apple Watch?

Unfortunately the answer to this question is usually no. This is because according to the IRS, fitness trackers are used to promote what the IRS terms “general health”. Expenses under this general health definition are not considered HSA eligible expenses.

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 use HSA for glasses?

Yes! You can definitely use funds from your flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to purchase prescription glasses. (FSAs and HSAs can be used for many other vision- and eye health-related expenses, too, but we'll discuss that more in a bit.)

Do I need to report my HSA if I didn't use it?

Contributions made to your HSA by your employer may be excluded from your gross income. The contributions remain in your account until you use them. The earnings in the account aren't taxed. Distributions used to pay for qualified medical expenses are tax-free.

How do I transfer money from my HSA to my bank account?

Online Transfer – On HSA Bank's Member Website, you can transfer funds from your HSA to an external bank account, such as a personal checking or savings account. There is a daily transfer limit of $2,500 to safeguard against fraudulent activity.

How long can money sit in HSA?

The money in an HSA never expires. Unlike flexible spending accounts (FSAs), all remaining HSA funds roll over each year.

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.

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 I buy a treadmill with my HSA?

A treadmill may be eligible for reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) and health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Is Tylenol HSA eligible?

Acetaminophen, the primary ingredient found in Tylenol, is an eligible OTC item. Acetaminophen reimbursement is eligible with an FSA account, HSA or HRA. Acne Medicine such as Clean and Clear, Neutrogena, Proactiv, etc., is eligible.

Can toothbrush go on HSA?

While it seems like they would fit under the dental care umbrella, general self-care items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, and floss are not FSA or HSA eligible. Same goes for specialized or medicated toothpastes. Here's a short (and not exhaustive list) of items that are not eligible for reimbursement: Braces wax.

Can I buy Gatorade with my HSA card?

Rehydration sports drinks, such as Gatorade, and solution with dietary supplements other than electrolytes are not eligible.

Can I use my HSA for a home gym?

Yes, it could — if you prove the expense is medically necessary. General fitness expenses don't qualify for HSA/FSA use, but things change when a physician or nurse practitioner prescribes an exercise regimen.