What happens to HSA at end of year?
Asked by: Dr. Jovany O'Reilly II | Last update: September 13, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (7 votes)
Does HSA money expire at the end of the year?
Your HSA contributions don't expire. The money stays in the HSA until you use it.
What happens to HSA if you don't use it?
Unspent HSA funds roll over from year to year. You can hold and add to the tax-free savings to pay for medical care later. HSAs may earn interest that can't be taxed. You generally can't use HSA funds to pay premiums.
Can I cash out my HSA when I leave my job?
Yes, you can cash out your HSA at any time. However, any funds withdrawn for costs other than qualified medical expenses will result in the IRS imposing a 20% tax penalty. If you leave your job, you don't have to cash out your HSA.
What happens if you don't withdraw excess HSA contributions?
The IRS imposes a 6% excise tax on any excess accumulation in your HSA. This tax is applied each year until the excess amount is withdrawn from the account. The excise tax is in addition to any income tax you may owe on the excess contribution.
HSAs "last month" rule
What happens if I empty my HSA?
Any HSA withdrawal you make without a qualified medical expense will be subject to income taxes. In addition to the income tax, you'll have to pay an additional 20% tax on the withdrawal.
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 I close my HSA account and get money back?
If you close your HSA and withdraw all the money, you're going to have to pay income tax on the withdrawal, plus a 20% additional tax if you're under age 65. That's assuming you aren't using the money to reimburse yourself for qualified medical expenses incurred since you established your HSA.
Can I 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.
Can you keep an HSA forever?
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.
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).
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.
Can I transfer money from my HSA to my bank account?
Online Transfers – On HSA Bank's member website, you can reimburse yourself for out-of-pocket expenses by making a one-time or reoccurring online transfer from your HSA to your personal checking or savings account.
Can you roll an HSA into a Roth?
After age 65, you can withdraw money to pay for any type of expense without a penalty, but you'll still need to pay income taxes on withdrawals used for nonqualified expenses. Can I roll my HSA into a Roth IRA? No, the IRS does not allow you to roll funds from an HSA to an IRA, such as a Roth IRA.
Where does unused HSA money go?
HSA money is yours to keep. Unlike a flexible spending account (FSA), unused money in your HSA isn't forfeited at the end of the year; it continues to grow, tax-deferred. What happens if my employment is terminated? HSAs are portable and move with you if you change employment.
Is HSA use it or lose it?
Keep in mind: your HSA doesn't have a “use it or lose it” rule, so you don't have to spend the balance in your account by the end of the year, and the money in your account is yours for life — even if you change jobs, change health plans or retire.
Can I use HSA for glasses?
Yes! You can definitely use funds from your flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to purchase prescription glasses. (FSAs and HSAs can be used for many other vision- and eye health-related expenses, too, but we'll discuss that more in a bit.)
Are tampons HSA eligible?
With the passage of the CARES Act in March 2020, tampons and other menstrual care products are now fully FSA-/HSA-eligible. According to the text of the bill, menstrual care products include, “tampon, pad, liner, cup, sponge, or similar product used by individuals with respect to menstruation…”
Can HSA be used for vitamins?
In general, over-the-counter vitamins and dietary supplements are not eligible for reimbursement through an HSA unless they meet specific criteria. For a vitamin or supplement to be considered eligible, it must be prescribed by a healthcare provider to treat a diagnosed medical condition.
Can I ever cash out my HSA?
Yes, you can withdraw funds from your HSA at any time. But please keep in mind that if you use your HSA funds for any reason other than to pay for a qualified medical expense, those funds will be taxed as ordinary income, and the IRS will impose a 20% penalty.
Can I use my HSA card for groceries?
No, you can't use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) for straight food purchases like meat, produce and dairy. But you can use them for some nutrition-related products and services. To review, tax-advantaged accounts have regulatory restrictions on eligible products and services.
What happens to my HSA if I quit my job?
If you leave your job, your health savings account (HSA) and all the money in it are yours. You can use the money to pay for qualified medical expenses anytime. You can continue to contribute to your HSA after you quit your job if you're enrolled in a qualifying high-deductible health plan.
Do I need to report HSA on taxes?
Form 8889 must be filed with your annual Form 1040 federal tax filing if you make contributions to or take distributions from an HSA. You must file IRS Form 1040 for your HSA contributions, not the short Form 1040A or 1040EZ.
Can I use HSA to pay insurance premiums?
By using untaxed dollars in an HSA to pay for deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and some other expenses, you may be able to lower your out-of-pocket health care costs. HSA funds generally may not be used to pay premiums.
When should I stop putting money in 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.