Should I put my HSA in a trust?

Asked by: Prof. Otis Borer  |  Last update: September 4, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (14 votes)

Health savings accounts or medical savings accounts. Since these accounts already allow you to use the money tax-free for allowable medical expenses, they cannot be transferred to a living trust. Like retirement accounts, however, you can name the trust as the primary or secondary beneficiary.

Should an HSA be in a trust?

A living trust can help you manage and pass on a variety of assets. However, there are a few asset types that generally shouldn't go in a living trust, including retirement accounts, health savings accounts, checking accounts, life insurance policies, UTMA or UGMA accounts and vehicles.

What accounts should not be in a trust?

There are several types of assets that should not be included in trusts for various reasons:
  • Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and 401(k)s. ...
  • Health savings accounts (HSAs) and medical savings accounts (MSAs). ...
  • Life insurance policies. ...
  • Certain bank accounts. ...
  • Motor vehicles. ...
  • Social Security benefits.

How should I fund my HSA?

You can contribute to your HSA via pretax payroll contributions through your employer or you can make post-tax deposits to your HSA by contributing funds from your account at another bank. You can add your bank account to your health savings account to easily add funds to your HSA any time.

What happens to HSA at death?

What happens to an HSA at death? Like an IRA account, when a person sets up an HSA, they name a beneficiary. If the beneficiary is a surviving spouse, the unused portion of the decedent's HSA passes directly to the spouse and becomes his or her HSA; there is no tax liability.

HSA and Your Trust

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Can my kids inherit my HSA?

You may also name your children or other non-spouse individuals as a beneficiary. For someone other than a spouse the tax benefits of account ownership do not transfer. The balance of the account will be distributed to your beneficiary and becomes taxable to them in the year you pass away.

What happens to HSA when you turn 65?

Once you turn 65, you can use the money in your HSA for anything you want. If you don't use it for qualified medical expenses, it counts as income when you file your taxes.

How much should I have in HSA when I retire?

The amount of money you should have in your HSA during retirement depends on your healthcare needs and circumstances. According to the Fidelity Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate, a single person who is age 65 in 2023 should aim to have about $157,000 saved (after tax) for healthcare expenses during retirement.

Does your money grow in a HSA?

An HSA could be an effective tool to help you accumulate money on a tax-advantaged basis to pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses. When you invest the funds in your HSA, you give your money a chance to grow. Any investment gains in an HSA aren't taxed, which could give your money potential to accumulate.

What are the tax secrets of HSA?

As a quick refresher, HSAs offer three major benefits for federal income taxes: Contributions reduce your taxable income without having to itemize deductions. Growth of the account is tax-deferred. Distributions for qualified medical expenses—for you and your family—are tax-free.

What shouldn't go in a trust?

A: Property that cannot be held in a trust includes Social Security benefits, health savings and medical savings accounts, and cash. Other types of property that should not go into a trust are individual retirement accounts or 401(k)s, life insurance policies, certain types of bank accounts, and motor vehicles.

What is the biggest mistake parents make when setting up a trust fund?

One of the biggest mistakes parents make when setting up a trust fund is choosing the wrong trustee to oversee and manage the trust. This crucial decision can open the door to potential theft, mismanagement of assets, and family conflict that derails your child's financial future.

What does Suze Orman say about revocable trust?

Suze Orman, the popular financial guru, goes so far as to say that “everyone” needs a revocable living trust. But what everyone really needs is some good advice. Living trusts can be useful in limited circumstances, but most of us should sit down with an independent planner to decide whether a living trust is suitable.

What is the downside of an HSA?

Drawbacks of HSAs include tax penalties for nonmedical expenses before age 65, and contributions made to the HSA within six months of applying for Social Security benefits may be subject to penalties. HSAs have fewer limitations and more tax advantages than flexible spending accounts (FSAs).

Should I put everything I own in a trust?

A revocable living trust can be a powerful part of your estate plan. It can keep your loved ones from having to deal with probate. It also provides more privacy than a will. But you should leave certain assets, like cash and retirement accounts, out of the trust.

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.

How much does the average person have in HSA?

End-of-year balances increased in 2022 to $4,607, but overall, average balances are still modest. This may be a result of the fact that many of the HSAs in EBRI's HSA Database are relatively new; roughly one-third were opened since 2021.

Can you use HSA to build wealth?

Strategies to Use an HSA to Build Wealth
  1. Max Out Contributions. The first step to building wealth with an HSA is to contribute the maximum amount allowed by the IRS each year. ...
  2. Treat Your HSA as an Investment Account. ...
  3. Pay for Medical Expenses Out-of-Pocket. ...
  4. Use the “Shoebox Strategy” ...
  5. Let Your HSA Become a Retirement Asset.

Is HSA better than 401k?

Comparing HSAs and 401(k)s

The triple-tax-free aspect of an HSA makes it better for tax management than a 401(k). However, since HSA withdrawals can only be used for healthcare costs, the 401(k) is a more flexible retirement savings tool. The fact that an HSA has no RMD gives it more flexibility than a 401(k).

At what point should I stop contributing to my HSA?

If you are retiring at the age of 65 ½ or older, to avoid potential tax issues, you want to STOP YOUR HSA CONTRIBUTIONS so that you have 6 months of NO contributions before you FILE FOR MEDICARE.

What is a good HSA balance?

If you're unsure of where to start, try working with a financial advisor. What Is the Average HSA Balance By Age? The average HSA balance for a family is about $7,500 and for individuals it is about $4,300. This average jumps up to $12,000 for families who invest in HSAs.

Can you use HSA for dental?

Your HSA also covers expenses for standard dental cleanings and dental check-ups. One thing to keep in mind is that some of these procedures may have a co-payment, so it's important that you check with your dental insurance provider to find out exactly what you'll have to pay out of pocket.

At what age can you no longer have an HSA?

When you turn 65 and begin Medicare coverage, you lose HSA eligibility on the first day of that month. For example, if your birthday is April 19, you are no longer eligible to contribute to an HSA as of April 1.

What is the HSA account loophole?

The ultimate loophole available to almost everyone under the age of 65 in our tax code is the Health Savings Account (HSA). It is the only account you can contribute to and deduct the contribution and then withdraw the money tax free. Think about that, a tax deduction going in and no taxes going out.

Can I use HSA for gym membership?

Gym memberships. While some companies and private insurers may offer discounts on gym memberships, you generally can't use your FSA or HSA account to pay for gym or health club memberships. An exception to that rule would be if your doctor deems fitness medically necessary for your recovery or treatment.