How long do I need to keep my HSA receipts?

Asked by: Ericka Kub DVM  |  Last update: January 25, 2024
Score: 4.3/5 (24 votes)

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.

Do you have to keep your HSA receipts?

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.

How old can HSA receipts be?

Receipts should be kept for as long as your tax return is open and subject to an audit; usually three years. Or as long as your HSA is open. Whichever is longer.

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.

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 is the Best Way to Keep Track of HSA Expenses?

18 related questions found

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.

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 However, any withdrawn funds used for non-medical purposes are still subject to income tax. If HSA funds are withdrawn for non-medical use before age 65, some penalties apply.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 don't include HSA on taxes?

In addition to the 20 percent penalty, the IRS will also consider any HSA funds spent on non-qualified expenses as taxable income. This means they must be included as part of your total income when filing your taxes, which could increase the amount you owe or reduce any refund to which you may be entitled.

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.

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 should I do with my old HSA?

Your first option is to keep your existing HSA from your former employer without enrolling in a new one. While you won't be able to contribute directly from your new employer's payroll, you can still use the HSA funds to pay for eligible medical expenses.

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.

How do I keep my HSA after leaving my job?

If the person leaves their job, the HSA (and any money in it) goes with the employee. They are free to continue using the money for medical expenses and/or move it to another HSA custodian.

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.

Can I use money from HSA to buy a house?

HSA funds can also be withdrawn for non-medical expenses like buying a home or paying with a larger down payment. The withdrawal amount is subject to a 20% early withdrawal penalty and considered taxable income.

What can I not spend HSA on?

Generally, you can't use your HSA to pay for expenses that don't meaningfully promote the proper function of the body or prevent or treat illness or disease. Nutritional supplements and weight loss programs not prescribed by a physician are examples of expenses that would not be covered by your HSA.

How do I avoid taxes with HSA?

Your contributions may be 100 percent tax-deductible, meaning contributions can be deducted from your gross income. All interest earned in your HSA is 100 percent tax-deferred, meaning the funds grow without being subject to taxes unless they are used for non-eligible medical expenses.

What is the last month rule for HSA?

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.

Will my HSA card work at a gas station?

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 I use my new HSA to pay for old medical bills?

Can I use my tax-free HSA savings to pay for — or reimburse myself for — IRS-qualified medical expenses from a previous year? Yes, as long as the IRS-qualified medical expenses were incurred after your HSA was established, you can pay them or reimburse yourself with HSA funds at any time.

Can my wife use my HSA if she's not on my insurance?

The IRS allows you to use your HSA to pay for eligible expenses for your spouse, children or anyone who is listed as a dependent on your tax return. That's true whether you have individual coverage or family coverage with an HSA through your health plan.

Where does unspent HSA money go?

HSAs: The basics

What's more, unlike health flexible spending accounts (FSAs), HSAs are not subject to the "use-it-or-lose-it" rule. Funds remain in your account from year to year, and any unused funds may be used to pay for future qualified medical expenses.

What happens if I close my HSA account?

There are no tax penalties for closing an HSA. However, if you use HSA funds for other than qualified medical expenses, those distributions will be subject to ordinary income tax, and in some cases, a 20 percent penalty.

Can I use my HSA after termination?

Since your HSA is owned by you and not your employer, your HSA remains available to you even after termination. This means that you can continue to use your HSA for qualified expenses even after your termination.

Can I open an HSA without my employer?

The short answer is: Yes! Unlike FSAs, which require an employer's sponsorship, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are available to everyone, regardless of employment status. To contribute to an HSA, you must be actively enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and it must be your only health insurance coverage.