What happens if I don't use all my FSA money?

Asked by: Prof. Rolando Crona DVM  |  Last update: September 26, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (24 votes)

For employees, the main downside to an FSA is the use-it-or-lose-it rule. If the employee fails to incur enough qualified expenses to drain his or her FSA each year, any leftover balance generally reverts back to the employer.

What happens to my FSA money if I don't spend it?

The IRS created the ""use or lose"" rule, which states that all money left in your FSA is forfeited after the benefit period ends . If you don't use all of your FSA funds during the benefit period, you risk losing money.

What happens if you overspend on FSA card?

UMR will request that the funds be returned to the Flexible Spending Account in which the overpayment occurred. Participants may return funds made payable to UMR, PO Box 8022, Wausau WI 54402 or they can submit an eligible manual claim and UMR will use it to offset the unsubstantiated expense.

Do I have to use all my FSA funds?

You generally must use the money in an FSA within the plan year. But your employer may offer one of 2 options: It can provide a "grace period" of up to 2 ½ extra months to use the money in your FSA. It can allow you to carry over up to $660 per year to use in the following year.

Can you write off unused FSA money?

Unused FSA money returns to your employer. The funds can be used towards offsetting administrative costs incurred during the plan year, employers can also reduce salary reductions in the next FSA year, or funds must be equally distributed to employees who enroll in an FSA for the next year.

What happens to the money you don't use in your FSA?

22 related questions found

Where does FSA money go if not used?

For employees, the main downside to an FSA is the use-it-or-lose-it rule. If the employee fails to incur enough qualified expenses to drain his or her FSA each year, any leftover balance generally reverts back to the employer.

What happens if I use my FSA incorrectly?

If the Benefits Card is accidentally or intentionally utilized for ineligible expenses, you are responsible for reimbursing your account. You will be notified if you have an ineligible expense and your Benefits Card may be deactivated until your account is reimbursed.

How to make the most of your FSA money before it disappears?

Check your balance: Log into your FSA account ASAP. Deadlines vary— double-check to be sure when yours is. Plan your spending: Use your remaining funds wisely. Stock up on prescription medications, replace glasses or contacts, and restock over-the-counter items like allergy meds and first-aid supplies.

Can I use FSA 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.

Can I buy an Apple Watch with FSA?

Understanding What's Eligible and What's Not

While fitness trackers such as an Apple Watch, Fitbit or Garmin aren't eligible expenses, medical devices that monitor, screen, or test for certain diseases or medical conditions may be eligible. These include items like blood pressure and heart-rate monitors.

What if I forgot to use my FSA card?

But if you forget your card, you'll still be able to get reimbursed. Simply save your receipt, then upload a copy and submit for reimbursement later. FSA claims always require the same 5 items, but not all receipts list them!

What happens if I use all my FSA and then quit?

If you quit or lose your job, any unspent funds in your FSA go back to your employer. However, FSA dollars can be spent on dental, vision, prescription medications, and other eligible expenses before you leave your job. You might have the option to continue using your FSA through COBRA coverage if you're eligible.

Is it worth maxing out FSA?

Once you have your total, compare it to the maximum amount the IRS lets you put into an FSA. In 2022, the limit is $2,750 per year per employer. “Maxing out your contributions is only a good idea if you know you'll spend that much or more on medical bills during the year,” says Melanie Musson.

Can I pay for massage with FSA?

Massage Therapy may be eligible for reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA) and health reimbursement arrangements (HRA).

How to burn FSA money?

If you need some inspiration to use up your FSA dollars, consider these ideas:
  1. Healthcare visits. ...
  2. Prescription medications. ...
  3. Vision care. ...
  4. Dental care. ...
  5. Hearing aids. ...
  6. Over-the-counter medications. ...
  7. First aid supplies. ...
  8. Skin care products.

Can you use FSA for glasses?

Can I use my FSA on all prescription eyewear? Yes, you can use it to buy prescription glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses all year round.

Does FSA cover teeth whitening?

Elective cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening, for example, are not eligible for FSA funds. Here are examples of medically necessary procedures that are typically covered by FSA funds. 2) Fillings are typically covered. 3) Major Oral Surgery: dental reconstruction, root canals, implants, and tooth removal.

Can I use my FSA to buy a treadmill?

If you have a letter from a medical professional stating that exercise equipment is a medical necessity, your FSA can cover it.

Are diapers FSA eligible?

Regular diapers for newborns and infants are not FSA eligible because they do not treat a medical condition, but rather aid a healthy function of the body. There are some ways to save, however, including sales, coupons, buying in bulk or joining rewards programs.

Can you pay partially with FSA?

Yes. You can still submit for partial reimbursement. For example: if you purchase an eligible item for $100 but only have $60 in your account, you can reimburse $60 of your purchase with your tax-free funds (with the remaining $40 paid for as normal).

Can I cash out FSA funds?

You can't withdraw money from an ATM

One of those is that the money can only be spent on FSA-eligible expenses.

Can I use my FSA on dental?

Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) allow employees to make tax-free contributions for various medical or dental expenses. Distributions are free, provided they are used for qualified medical expenses. In most circumstances, you can use your FSA for non-cosmetic dental procedures.

What is the biggest disadvantage of the FSAs?

While FSAs offer several benefits, they also have limitations. The 'use-it-or-lose-it' rule can lead to the loss of unspent funds. Additionally, there are restrictions regarding eligible expenses and contribution limits, which are determined by the IRS and can change annually.

Is toilet paper FSA-eligible?

Here are examples of items and expenses that are not FSA-eligible for 2024: General health items: toiletries like toothpaste, toilet paper, or shampoo, cosmetic products, vitamins and supplements (without a prescription) Non-medical equipment: car seats, strollers, non-medical exercise equipment.

Is there a downside to FSA?

Use-it-or-lose-it refers to an IRS requirement that if you do not spend all the money you have elected into your account, that money remaining in an FSA after March 15 of the following year will be forfeited because it cannot be rolled over or refunded to you.