Is it better to max out your HSA or 401k?
Asked by: Emanuel Hegmann PhD | Last update: January 31, 2024Score: 5/5 (15 votes)
If you're in a position to max out your retirement contributions, it makes sense to save in both plans. But if you only max your HSA each year, it would likely be inadequate to fund your retirement fully. So, you'd want to supplement it with a 401(k), which has significantly higher contribution limits.
Should I max my HSA before my 401k?
Using an HSA and a 401k together
First off, most experts would recommend maxing out HSA contributions before maxing out 401(k) contributions because of the tax advantages that come with the HSA. There's no minimum age for HSA fund distributions, so when you need it to spend money on health care, it's got your back.
Is it worth it to maximize HSA?
Max out your contributions if you can
The more you can contribute, the more you can benefit from the HSA's potential triple tax advantages1. Keep in mind: you don't lose any unspent funds at the end of the year. Your HSA can be used now, next year or even when you're retired.
What are the benefits of maxing out HSA contributions?
And you won't have to pay taxes on your investment profits. Since your contributions are pre-tax, and your medical expense withdrawals are tax-free, HSAs offer a triple tax benefit. In short, an HSA can become another retirement account, if you've already maxed out your standard retirements, like a 401(k) or an IRA.
Should I invest 100% of my HSA?
Try to invest as much of your HSA money as possible while ensuring that you keep enough cash to cover your qualified medical expenses. Consider where your other retirement plans are invested as well to make sure that your HSA investments provide diversification. Avoid taking out funds from your HSA as much as possible.
Why I Max Out My HSA before 401K or IRA | HSA Accounts | 401K Matching | HSA Bank | Millennial Money
What is the downside of investing in HSA?
The main downside of an HSA is that you must have a high-deductible health insurance plan to get one. A health insurance deductible is the amount of money you must pay out of pocket each year before your insurance plan benefits begin.
Should I invest my HSA aggressively?
Understanding your risk tolerance and potential future medical needs will help determine how aggressively to invest your savings. For example, if you're using an HSA mainly as a retirement account, then it could make sense to opt for high-return investments.
Is it possible to have too much in HSA?
Putting too much money in your HSA can happen, but the IRS isn't happy when it happens. In fact, you'll be penalized for it unless you catch it and fix it.
What happens if you put too much in HSA?
Generally, the IRS penalty equals 6 percent of your excess contributions. For example, if you have a $100 excess contribution, your fine would be $6.00. If you contributed $1,000 over, it would be $60. This penalty is called an “excise tax,” and applies to each tax year the excess contribution remains in your account.
What is the advantage of HSA over 401k?
HSAs focus on health costs and funds in the accounts can be spent on qualifying health costs before or after retirement without incurring taxes or penalties. Rigid rules on 401(k) withdrawals mean funds deposited to these accounts are effectively locked up until age 59.5.
Why not to max out 401k?
Potential Downsides of Maxing Out a 401(k)
Some investors may not have the cash flow to deduct the maximum contribution from their paychecks. They may need to use their earnings for necessary expenses before saving the maximum for retirement.
What is the best strategy for HSA?
Contributing the maximum annual contribution and investing for the long term is the best way to get the most benefit from your HSA. Avoid using the HSA as your emergency fund because nonqualified withdrawals are subject to ordinary taxes and possibly penalties.
Should I max out Roth IRA or HSA first?
Should I max out my HSA or IRA first? HSAs and Roth IRAs are both tax-advantaged accounts. The IRS sets a limit on how much you can contribute to both each year. As we said above, HSA may be a better option to max out first since it offers potentially more savings power.
How much should I have in my HSA at retirement?
According to the Fidelity Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate, an average retired couple age 65 in 2022 may need approximately $315,000 saved (after tax) to cover health care expenses in retirement. Even if you don't have an HSA, it may be prudent to set aside certain assets just to pay for health care.
Should you count HSA as retirement savings?
If you're healthy, have an HSA, and don't have many medical expenses, the money in a health savings account can be used for expenses in retirement. You can withdraw your HSA money after age 65, with no penalty or fees, if you save more money than you need for your health care expenses after you retire.
Should you count HSA as retirement?
You can use your HSA with other retirement accounts to maximize your after-tax retirement income. Saving in an HSA for retirement gives you a tax-advantaged account dedicated to future medical expenses — allowing you the opportunity to avoid dipping into retirement accounts intended for cost-of-living expenses.
How do I know if I Overcontributed to my HSA?
If you contribute to your HSA plan directly, your contribution amount will be included on Form 5498-SA, which is issued by the plan custodian/trustee. Next, you will need to contact your employer and/or plan administrator to notify them that an over contribution has occurred and inform them of the amount.
Why is my HSA being taxed?
If your funds are used for non-eligible expenditures, you may be subjected to income tax plus a 20% IRS penalty. However, that doesn't mean you should neglect your HSA. After age 65, you are allowed to withdraw from your account penalty-free for non-eligible expenses, as long as you report it as income on your taxes.
Can an employer take back an HSA contribution?
It's also important to note, if your employer made contributions to your HSA, those contributions are yours to keep as well. Your employer can't take back any of their contributions—all the money in your HSA is yours to keep and use.
Do employer contributions affect HSA limit?
Don't forget that your employer's contributions count toward your total contribution limit. If you have single coverage and your employer adds $1,000 into your HSA, then you can only add up to the remaining $2,850.
What is the average HSA balance?
The average HSA balance rose from $2,645 at the beginning of 2021 to $3,902 by the end of the year, the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit independent research organization found in its analysis of its HSA database, which had information on 13.1 million HSAs in 2021.
Can HSA be used for dental?
You can also use HSAs to help pay for dental care. While dental insurance can help cover costs, an HSA can also help cover any out-of-pocket expenses resulting from dental care and procedures.
How much should I have in my HSA before investing?
Investments cover future healthcare costs and build your retirement savings. You may begin investing once you have a minimum of $1,000 in your HSA cash account. HSA funds above that amount can be transferred to your investment account.
How much money in HSA to invest health equity?
There is no minimum balance to participate in our cash account. In order to invest in mutual funds, your HSA cash balance must meet a minimum threshold of $1,000. Contact HealthEquity member services at 888.462. 1896, or visit the Investments section of your HealthEquity member portal to learn more.
Why HSA is the best retirement account?
Unlike other types of tax-advantaged retirement accounts, HSA contributions and investment earnings are never taxed, provided you follow the rules when withdrawing from the account. That means you avoid paying income tax on your withdrawals, which, at current rates, is at least 10%.