What is the 12th month rule for HSA?

Asked by: Mr. Favian Cummings V  |  Last update: November 10, 2023
Score: 4.7/5 (22 votes)

For the last-month rule, the testing period begins with the last month of your tax year and ends on the last day of the 12th month following that month (for example, December 1, 2021, through December 31, 2022).

What is the December 1 rule for HSA?

If you are eligible to contribute to an HSA on the first day of the last month of your tax year (e.g., December 1, 2022), you are considered eligible for the entire year (e.g., through December 31, 2023). This last-month rule is true only if you stay enrolled in an HSA-qualifying HDHP during that time.

What is the last month rule for HSA contributions?

"Under the Last Month Rule, if an individual is eligible on the first day of the last month of the tax year (December 1 for most taxpayers), he or she is considered an eligible individual for the entire year. HSA accountholders may utilize the Last Month Rule to make a full HSA contribution for that year.

Are HSA limits based on calendar year?

HSA contribution limits are determined on a calendar/tax-year basis. IRS rules state that contribution limits must generally be prorated by the number of months you are eligible to contribute to an HSA.

Do I lose my HSA money at the end of the year?

No, any money placed in a Health Savings Account 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.

HSAs "last month" rule

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What happens if I never use my HSA money?

If you don't spend the money in your account, it will carryover year after year. Your HSA can be used now, next year or even when you're retired. Saving in your HSA can help you plan for health expenses you anticipate in the coming years, such as laser eye surgery, braces for your child, or paying Medicare premiums.

Can I keep my 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 13 month rule for HSA?

Use the 13-month rule to make up for lost time

You can contribute the full amount to your HSA if you meet the following conditions: Enroll in an HSA-eligible HDHP before December 1st of the given year. Maintain that HDHP coverage through December 31st of the following year, for a total of 13 months.

How do I know the value of my HSA at the end of the year?

Form 5498-SA summarizes the contributions or deposits you made to your HSA in a particular tax year. You can also find your contribution information on your December HSA statement. Form 8889 this is the form you'll actually submit with your federal income tax return.

What is the 6 month rule for HSA contributions?

This is because when you enroll in Medicare Part A, you receive up to six months of retroactive coverage, not going back farther than your initial month of eligibility. If you do not stop HSA contributions at least six months before Medicare enrollment, you may incur a tax penalty.

How does the last month rule work?

Last-month rule.

Under the last-month rule, if you are an eligible individual on the first day of the last month of your tax year (December 1 for most taxpayers), you are considered an eligible individual for the entire year.

What happens to an HSA at age 65?

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.

Can you contribute to an HSA after December 31?

Making an additional contribution to your previous year's Health Savings Account (HSA) could help reduce the amount of federal tax you owe. More good news: You can make contributions beyond the end of the calendar year, all the way up until the tax filing deadline of the following year.

What is the average HSA annual return?

Annual expenses to be paid with HSA savings: $2,000. Federal income tax rate or bracket: 25% State income tax rate: 0% Interest rate or average annual rate of return: 2.5%

Do I need to report HSA on taxes?

If you (or your spouse, if filing jointly) received HSA distributions in 2022, you must file Form 8889 with Form 1040, Form 1040-SR, or Form 1040-NR, even if you have no taxable income or any other reason for filing Form 1040, Form 1040-SR, or Form 1040-NR.

Why is my HSA being taxed?

If your funds are used for non-eligible expenditures, you may be subjected to income tax plus a 20% IRS penalty. However, that doesn't mean you should neglect your HSA. After age 65, you are allowed to withdraw from your account penalty-free for non-eligible expenses, as long as you report it as income on your taxes.

What is the downside of a health savings account?

Potential tax drawbacks

Prior to age 65, HSA funds withdrawn to pay for nonmedical expenses are considered taxable income. The IRS also levies a 20 percent penalty. Expenses can be audited by the IRS so you should keep receipts for all payments made with HSA funds.

How much can I contribute to my HSA the year I turn 65?

Your maximum contribution is determined by adjusting the HSA maximum in accordance with how many months of the year that you were eligible. For example, if you turn 65 in April, you were eligible for the first three months of the year. You can then contribute 3/12 of the HSA annual contribution maximum.

Can I use HSA for dental?

You can also use HSAs to help pay for dental care. While dental insurance can help cover costs, an HSA can also help cover any out-of-pocket expenses resulting from dental care and procedures.

How much should I have in my HSA at retirement?

According to the Fidelity Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate, an average retired couple age 65 in 2022 may need approximately $315,000 saved (after tax) to cover health care expenses in retirement. Even if you don't have an HSA, it may be prudent to set aside certain assets just to pay for health care.

Can I use HSA to pay Medicare premiums?

You can even use your HSA to pay for some Medicare expenses including your Medicare Part B, Part D and Medicare Advantage plan premiums, deductibles, copays and coinsurance. Note: HSA funds cannot be used to pay for Medigap premiums.

Can I use HSA money for anything?

If you have money in your HSA when you turn 65, you can spend it on anything you want — but if you aren't spending it for a qualified medical expense it will be taxed as income at your then current tax rate. You can use HSA funds to pay for deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and other qualified medical expenses.

What can I do with leftover HSA money?

If you have any money left in your HSA at the end of the year, it will continue to roll over year after year. That means that your unused contributions will keep accumulating until you need them. PLUS, balances earn interest or can be invested.

Can both spouses over 55 contribute to HSA catch up?

Married couples who both are over age 55 may each make an additional $1,000 contribution to their separate HSAs. Federal tax law imposes strict limits on how much can be contributed to a health savings account (HSA) each year.

Can I use my 2023 HSA to pay for 2022 expenses?

Important HSA Program Information

You must incur all eligible expenses for the 2022 benefit period by December 31, 2022. For the 2023 benefit period, you must incur all eligible expenses by December 31, 2023. The HSA can only be used to pay for eligible medical expenses incurred after your HSA was established.