How do I keep track of HSA eligible expenses?

Asked by: Kurt Cormier  |  Last update: February 3, 2024
Score: 5/5 (57 votes)

The IRS requires that you maintain records of your HSA purchases. TrackHSA.com provides this proof by storing receipts for HSA purchases. If you pay for purchases out of pocket, you can track and justify the reimbursement to the IRS when it occurs.

How do I organize my HSA receipts?

For physical receipts, you can scan them into your computer or use a new folder for each year's receipts to keep them somewhere safe. Remember, ink fades over time so you really do need to digitize these. You can use any storage and filing system you like for digital receipts.

Do I need to track HSA expenses?

Recordkeeping Requirements

Good recordkeeping avoids future tax headaches. Essentially, any money that comes out of your HSA must have a receipt showing it was for an eligible medical expense. You may face a 20% penalty on any distribution that you cannot prove was for a qualified medical expense.

Do you need to keep receipts for HSA purchases?

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.

Can I submit receipts to HSA?

And while it isn't required that you submit receipts to be reimbursed from your HSA, we recommend it in case of an IRS audit.

What is the Best Way to Keep Track of HSA Expenses?

31 related questions found

Does the IRS monitor 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.

How far back do you have to keep HSA receipts?

Hold onto every receipt and statement

Cheekiness aside, keep every single receipt and HSA statement like it's going out of style. You want to hold onto all those HSA records as long as your tax return is considered "open," which is about three years after you file, or as long as you have your HSA account.

What is HSA receipt loophole?

Again, you don't have to reimburse yourself for those medical expenses in the same year, or the same plan year that you incur those medical expenses. If you incur that medical expense, you can just write it down. And then you can reimburse yourself from the HSA at a later date.

What should be on HSA receipt?

All receipts should include the amount paid, who it was paid to (payee's name or code), and the date of the transaction. Some purchases require a letter of medical necessity or prescription in order to be eligible.

What happens if I don't use my HSA for medical expenses?

If you don't spend the money in your account, it will carryover year after year. Your HSA can be used now, next year or even when you're retired. Saving in your HSA can help you plan for health expenses you anticipate in the coming years, such as laser eye surgery, braces for your child, or paying Medicare premiums.

What expenses count towards HSA?

By using pre-tax dollars in an HSA to pay for deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and other qualified expenses, including some dental, drug, and vision expenses, you can lower your overall health care costs. You can contribute to an HSA only if you have an HSA-eligible HDHP.

Do HSA receipts expire?

Stay prepared for an IRS audit by saving HSA receipts for up to 7 years. You'll also want to maintain records of any deductions claimed on your tax return.

What tax documents do I need for my HSA?

Visit the Statements and Tax Forms page in your profile to access them now.
  • File form 1099-SA to report distributions from an HSA.
  • File form 5498-SA to report contributions to an HSA.
  • File form 8889 to report your HSA contributions and distributions.
  • Refer to form W-2 for your HSA contributions.

How much cash should I keep in HSA?

The short answer: As much as you're able to (within IRS contribution limits), if that's financially viable. If you're covered by an HSA-eligible health plan (or high-deductible health plan), the IRS allows you to put as much as $3,850 per year (in 2023) into your health savings account (HSA).

What is the HSA last month rule?

Last-month rule.

Under the last-month rule, if you are an eligible individual on the first day of the last month of your tax year (December 1 for most taxpayers), you are considered an eligible individual for the entire year.

Can you use your HSA to pay rent?

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.

Do they audit HSA purchases?

HSA reimbursements need matching receipts.

When using an HSA debit card, retain receipts for each transaction as those expenses will be reported to the IRS, and you could be audited.

Is toothpaste HSA eligible?

You can't use your HSA for common items such as toothpaste, dental floss, or over-the-counter mouthwash. Cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening, also aren't covered.

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.

What if I forgot to report my HSA on my tax return?

It's possible that processing could be delayed and your refund held up until you clear up the discrepancy. However, the most likely outcome is that your return will be processed as submitted, and then you will have to file an amended return to correct the issue.

How do I report HSA expenses on my taxes?

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 use HSA to pay insurance premiums?

Generally, HSAs cannot be used to pay private health insurance premiums, but there are 2 exceptions: paying for health care coverage purchased through an employer-sponsored plan under COBRA, and paying premiums while receiving unemployment compensation.

Should I pay out of pocket or use HSA?

Remember, unlikeflexible spending accounts, HSAs donotrequire you to use up your balance every year. Those funds can be carried forward as long as you like, so if you're able to cover your healthcare expenses out of pocket, it's best to leave that money alone and let it grow.

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 you use HSA for tummy tuck?

You can't use pre-tax funds from a health savings account (HSA) or a flexible spending account (FSA) for cosmetic surgical procedures, like a tummy tuck. However, if you have good credit, you could take out a private loan to finance your surgery.