What if I accidentally used my HSA card for groceries?

Asked by: Ken Hauck  |  Last update: January 20, 2024
Score: 4.8/5 (53 votes)

If you realize you've made a mistake and want to correct it, simply return the money to your HSA and you will avoid the additional penalty. If you do not return the money to your HSA, it will be counted as taxable income, and even worse, you'll have to pay a 20% penalty.

What happens if I use my HSA card for non-medical expenses?

Using HSA funds for non-medical expenses before age 65 can result in the loss of tax-exempt status, income tax obligations, and an additional 20% tax penalty. So, once an individual reaches age 65, they can utilize the funds for general non-medical purposes without penalties, although income taxes still apply.

Can I get in trouble for using HSA money?

IRS penalty and taxable income

Prior to age 65, if you use your money for non-qualified expenses, the IRS imposes a hefty HSA withdrawal penalty of 20 percent on the amount withdrawn. For example, if you spend $500 on non-qualified expenses, your penalty will be $100.

Can I use my HSA debit card for other purchases?

Where can I use my HSA? You can use your HSA Bank Health Benefit Debit Card to pay for doctor visits at the time of the appointment or for qualified items at a pharmacy or other retailer as long as it is for a qualified medical expense.

Do HSA get audited?

HSA reimbursements need matching receipts.

When using an HSA debit card, retain receipts for each transaction as those expenses will be reported to the IRS, and you could be audited.

What happens if I use my HSA for a nonqualified expense?

36 related questions found

How does IRS check HSA purchases?

Is there an expense verification process like an FSA or HRA? Verification of expenses is not required for HSAs. However, total withdrawals from your HSA are reported to the IRS on Form 1099-SA. You are responsible for reporting qualified and non-qualified withdrawals when completing your taxes.

Does IRS ask for receipts for HSA?

Always save your receipts and supporting documentation for your records. While Benefit Resource will not ask you to provide a receipt for an HSA expense, you are responsible for maintaining documentation of account use in the event that you are ever audited by the IRS.

Can I use HSA for gym membership?

Physical therapy is an approved medical expense. Can I use my HSA for a gym membership? Typically no. Unless you have a letter from your doctor stating that the membership is necessary to treat an injury or underlying health condition, such as obesity, a gym membership isn't a qualifying medical expense.

Can you buy toilet paper with HSA?

Toiletries are not eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA) or a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA). What are toiletries?

Can I use my HSA card to pay bills?

An HSA is similar to a normal checking account. You can make deposits into your account, then pay for eligible medical with your HSA Debit Card, pay bills online, or even make transfers.

Can I use my HSA to pay rent?

For people who don't generally get sick or spend a lot on medical expenses, an HSA can still prove beneficial. If necessary, you can withdraw money from your HSA for non-medical things, but Hogan doesn't recommend it. If you use your HSA to pay rent or get a new dye job, you will end up being taxed.

Can I move money from my HSA to my bank account?

† You can use these checks to pay providers or reimburse yourself for expenses already incurred. 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 I use my HSA debit card on Amazon?

Amazon has stepped up its game and is now accepting FSA and HSA cards as a payment method for eligible products. So, you can say goodbye to those last-minute trips to the store for medical supplies when you can have them conveniently delivered to your doorstep.

Can I use my HSA debit card at Walmart?

Does Walmart.com accept FSA or HSA cards? If you are looking to use your FSA or HSA card online or in-store on FSA-eligible product, you will likely have a hard time depending on your card issuer. That is because Walmart.com does not accept FSA or HSA cards at this time.

What happens if I use my HSA for Botox?

Money in an FSA or HSA does not cover cosmetic treatments. If you are getting Botox for a medical indication, such as migraine headaches, then you can use the money in your HSA for Botox. But cosmetic treatments are not eligible.

Can I buy Gatorade with my HSA card?

Rehydration sports drinks, such as Gatorade, and solution with dietary supplements other than electrolytes are not eligible.

Is Apple Watch HSA eligible?

Unfortunately the answer to this question is usually no. This is because according to the IRS, fitness trackers are used to promote what the IRS terms “general health”. Expenses under this general health definition are not considered HSA eligible expenses.

Can you use HSA for teeth whitening?

What Dental Services are Not Covered by My HSA? Cosmetic procedures, like teeth whitening, are not covered by your HSA funds. Neither are dental products like dental floss, toothbrushes, toothpaste, or mouthwash. Those products are out of pocket expenses.

Is Tylenol HSA eligible?

Acetaminophen, the primary ingredient found in Tylenol, is an eligible OTC item. Acetaminophen reimbursement is eligible with an FSA account, HSA or HRA. Acne Medicine such as Clean and Clear, Neutrogena, Proactiv, etc., is eligible.

Can you use HSA for vitamins and supplements?

According to the IRS, you cannot use your HSA to pay for vitamins or supplements that are taken for general health. However, you can use your HSA to pay for vitamins or supplements that have been recommended by a health professional to treat or prevent a specific condition.

Can I reimburse myself from HSA without receipt?

As long as the qualifying medical expense was made after the establishment of your HSA, you can use your HSA to pay yourself back for your out-of-pocket expense. And while it isn't required that you submit receipts to be reimbursed from your HSA, we recommend it in case of an IRS audit.

Do I have to report HSA purchases?

When filing your taxes, you are required to file IRS Form 8889 if you (or someone on your behalf, including your employer) made contributions to your HSA, or if you received HSA distributions for the year.

How likely will I get audited?

For one thing, your chances statistically of being audited are not likely. The vast majority of more than approximately 150 million taxpayers who file yearly don't have to face it. Less than one percent of taxpayers get one sort of audit or another. Your overall odds of being audited are roughly 0.3% or 3 in 1,000.

Can I use my HSA debit card for sunscreen?

Can you use an HSA or HRA for sunscreen? Yes. Typically the same items that are FSA eligible are also eligible under a health savings account (HSA) and health reimbursement account (HRA). Your benefits administrator or the IRS can request itemized receipts to verify your expenses.