How long should I keep HSA receipts?

Asked by: Kaci Schmitt  |  Last update: November 12, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (65 votes)

To justify spending money on a qualified medical expense, you should keep or track your expense receipts. 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.

Should I keep receipts for HSA?

Yes, you should keep the receipts. When you file your tax return, you will need to add up your total qualified medical expenses to report on Form 8889. And you would need to be able to show the receipts in the event of an IRS audit. So keep them with your tax documents for that year.

What triggers an HSA audit?

Does HSA spending trigger an audit? The IRS doesn't monitor how you spend your HSA funds throughout the year, but that doesn't mean they won't ask for proof that your expenses were eligible. And if your tax return contains unrelated IRS audit red flags, your risk for an HSA audit could increase.

What if I accidentally used my HSA card for groceries?

If you catch the transaction early enough, you might even be able to contact the retailer and ask them to reverse the charge and fill it on a new card. If you bought something in person, you can also return it to the store and then buy it again with a different card.

What is HSA receipt loophole?

The Adult Child HSA Family Contribution Loophole

That's why you can do things like save receipts for decades and then pull the money out of the account. That's why you can use it as a stealth IRA by investing in it for decades and then pulling it out after age 65 penalty-free and buying a sailboat with it.

How Long Keep HSA Receipts? - InsuranceGuide360.com

28 related questions found

How does IRS know what you spend HSA on?

Verification of expenses is not required for HSAs. 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.

How far back can I submit receipts for HSA?

HSA reimbursements need matching receipts.

For example, an employee can reimburse themself in 2022 for an expense incurred in 2010, as long as they have the receipt from 2010.

What are the most common mistakes for HSA?

Common HSA mistakes and how to avoid them
  • Using an HSA when you're not eligible. ...
  • Paying for ineligible expenses. ...
  • Contributing too much to your account. ...
  • Paying someone else's medical bills. ...
  • Using all of your funds. ...
  • Using both an HSA and FSA. ...
  • Stay ahead of mistakes with HSA Store.

Can I use my HSA for gym membership?

Generally, the IRS doesn't allow pretax dollars in HSAs or FSAs for gym memberships. This is because they see them as expenses for general well-being rather than medical necessity. However, with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN), your HSA or FSA could be used to fund those expenses.

Can I buy deodorant with HSA?

Deodorant reimbursement is not eligible 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).

How far back can IRS audit HSA?

Generally, the IRS can include returns filed within the last three years in an audit. If we identify a substantial error, we may add additional years. We usually don't go back more than the last six years. The IRS tries to audit tax returns as soon as possible after they are filed.

Can I borrow from my HSA and pay it back?

No.

Can I use my HSA to pay for yoga?

Fitness fees do not immediately qualify as eligible HSA/FSA expenses, but they do qualify if a provider recommends exercise to prevent or treat a medical condition. To qualify those expenses for reimbursement with an HSA/FSA administrator, you need a Letter of Medical Necessity from a provider.

What is the best app to keep HSA receipts?

TrackHSA helps you organize your HSA purchases, receipts, and reimbursements over time. TrackHSA is the first online record keeping software for Health Savings Accounts. Securely record the in's and out's of your HSA account, all backed up in the cloud.

What if I never use the money in my HSA?

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.

Does IRS ask for HSA receipts?

The IRS requires that you keep receipts for all your Health Savings Account (HSA) spending. HSA distributions (money taken from an HSA account) are nontaxable, but only when the money is used to pay for qualified medical expenses.

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 I use my HSA for vitamins?

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.

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.

What if I accidentally bought food on my HSA?

Yes, you read that correctly—even if you accidentally paid for a burger with your HSA debit card, you will have to report it on your annual income tax return and pay taxes on it. If you're under 65 and spend the money on unqualified purchases, you must also pay a 20% penalty on top of the income tax.

What is one downside of an HSA?

Weak earnings and investment limits: Interest rates on HSA accounts may be low and some trustees charge a monthly fee if your balance drops below a certain threshold. Minimum balance requirements may apply before you can invest; investment options may be limited, and investments are not insured.

Why are companies pushing HSA?

Employers like offering HSAs because they can save everyone a lot of money. Most employers even offer an HSA contribution on your behalf in addition to reduced premiums to incentivize employees to switch.

Should I keep HSA receipts?

Hold on to every receipt and statement

You might want to hold on to 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. Your current HSA plan provider may have a tool to store receipts on their portal.

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 you use HSA for glasses?

Both FSA and HSA pre-tax health accounts can be used to pay for prescription glasses, contact lenses, eye exams and more. Eyewear that corrects your vision is considered a medical product, which means you can use your health plans to help cover the cost.