What happens to unused HSA funds after death?

Asked by: Stephan Beier  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.3/5 (44 votes)

The funds in your HSA go to the named beneficiary of the account when you die. If there is no beneficiary, the funds will go to your estate. Who you select as a beneficiary will determine how the account gets treated after your death. You have the freedom to change your named beneficiary at any time.

Can HSA money be inherited?

Unlike IRAs, Roth IRAs, and other retirement accounts, Health Savings Accounts (HSA) do not allow for a stretch nor do they give your heirs 10 years to distribute the assets in the account after you die. An HSA has a distinct set of rules applicable when the owner dies.

What happens to an HSA when the account holder dies?

Beneficiary (not a spouse) transfer: The HSA ends on the date of the individual's death. The funds are then distributed and taxed as income to the beneficiary at fair market value. However, the beneficiary can use the HSA funds to pay for medical expenses of the account holder for up to 12-months after their death.

What happens to unclaimed HSA funds?

The Internal Revenue Service treats a Health Savings Account like a personal savings account, which means that unused funds remain in the account until spent on qualified expenses, explains the IRS. If a taxpayer leaves a HSA dormant for too long, his state's unclaimed property department may claim it.

What should I do with my old HSA?

You are the owner of your HSA, which means you can take it with you when you leave your current job. Here are some important points to consider. If your new employer offers an HSA that you like better than your current account, you can roll the money in your old HSA into your new employer's plan.

Health Savings Account HSA Tax Forms and Tax Reporting Explained!

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Are HSA accounts transferable?

HSA Rollover

The IRS allows each HSA account holder to “roll over” their funds to a new HSA provider every 12 months and maintain the tax-advantaged status of the HSA. If you request a “rollover,” the HSA custodian will send the funds to you via check or transfer to your personal bank account (not your HSA).

Who can be a beneficiary of an HSA?

A beneficiary can be a spouse, a child, or other individual, or a legal entity of your choosing such as your estate. The beneficiary you choose for your HSA may have tax implications for the person or entity receiving the funds.

Does HSA account expire?

HSAs are different. The money you contribute to an HSA has no “expiration date.” You can withdraw funds you need to pay for everyday out-of-pocket health care expenses or save them for care you may need years down the road.

Can you name a trust as an HSA beneficiary?

You could create a revocable living trust and name it as your beneficiary. Any funds you have left in the HSA will be transferred to the trust.

Can you roll over HSA to next year?

You can roll over all the funds in your HSA. Rolling over your funds every year allows you to grow the value of your portfolio. An HSA is similar to an individual retirement account (IRA) or 401(k). ... You can grow the portfolio for decades and continue to pay for your qualified medical expenses tax-free.

How do I rollover HSA funds?

Contact the HSA provider directly and request a trustee-to-trustee transfer. Or request a check, and rollover the funds yourself. Just remember you have 60 days from when you get your money to deposit it into a new HSA or you'll suffer a tax penalty.

Can I transfer my HSA to an IRA?

No, there's no way to convert an HSA to an IRA. ... If you withdraw funds from your HSA to use for any other purposes before age 65 you'll pay taxes on them, as well as a penalty. After age 65, you won't, so at that point it works just like any other retirement account - IRAs included.

Can I rollover HSA to 401k?

You cannot roll over HSA funds into a 401(k). You also cannot roll over 401(k) money into an HSA.

Is HSA taxed after 65?

Age 65 General Distributions

At age 65, you can take penalty-free distributions from the HSA for any reason. However, in order to be both tax-free and penalty-free the distribution must be for a qualified medical expense. Withdrawals made for other purposes will be subject to ordinary income taxes.

What is the difference between an HSA rollover and transfer?

In general, transfers are the simpler and easier way to move money between HSAs. Rollovers require tax reporting and can subject you to tax penalties if you don't deposit your funds within 60 days.

How do I transfer money from HSA to bank?

If you have an investment account opened through HSA Bank, you can also schedule one-time transfers to or from this account. Step 1: While logged in to Internet Banking, click on “Transfers” then “Transfer Accounts” in the menu. Then click on the “Add” button.

Should you max out HSA?

A health savings account (HSA) is an account specifically designed for paying health care costs. The tax benefits are so good that some financial planners advise maxing out your HSA before you contribute to an IRA.

Is it better to contribute to HSA or 401k?

HSAs offer the greatest tax benefits – more than any other retirement account, including a 401k. ... With an HSA, you can tap into the power of triple-tax savings. This means contributions to your account are tax-free, earnings are tax-free, and withdrawals for eligible healthcare expenses are tax-free.

Why is there an out-of-pocket maximum for HSA?

This protects you and your family against high medical expenses. The out-of-pocket maximum represents the total amount of money you would be required to spend on medical services in a given year. The out-of-pocket maximum includes your deductible and any coinsurance and/or prescription copays you may need to pay.

Can you make a lump sum contribution to an HSA?

A: You can contribute to an HSA in monthly increments, in a lump sum, or at any time during the year. Your total contributions cannot exceed the maximum amount allowed during the calendar year.

How do I rollover HSA HealthEquity?

Rollover funds into your HealthEquity® HSA that have already been distributed to you from another custodian.
  1. Use the rollover request form.
  2. Return to Help Center and click on the 'Upload Form' button to submit for processing.
  3. Your funds will be available within seven business days after we receive them.

How do I reimburse from my HSA account with bank of America?

Once additional funds have accumulated in your account, such as after a paycheck contribution, you can request reimbursement from your HSA by entering an online claim on the Bank of America portal or through the mobile app.

Does Fidelity charge fees for HSA?

There are no fees for opening a Fidelity HSA®. If you choose to invest in mutual funds, expenses will still apply for those funds.

How long does it take to transfer funds from HSA to bank account?

Fund transfers will be deposited into your external bank account within three business days. Check distributions, should you request one, are processed and mailed the next business day.