What is the catch up age for HSA?

Asked by: Xander Wisozk  |  Last update: December 8, 2023
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Eligible individuals who are 55 or older by the end of the tax year can increase their contribution limit up to $1,000 a year. This extra amount is the catch-up contribution allowed for HSAs.

Can I contribute to my HSA catch-up when I turn 55?

As in prior years, HSA account owners aged 55 and older may contribute an additional $1,000 over the standard annual limit. For 2024, that means account owners with individual coverage may contribute $4,150 plus an additional $1,000, whereas those with family coverage may contribute $8,300 plus $1,000.

Who is eligible for HSA catch-up?

When you reach age 55 and are eligible to have an HSA, you can contribute an additional $1,000 each year through age 65 or until you enroll in Medicare. This is called a catch-up contribution.

What is the 55 rule for HSA?

HSA members can contribute up to the annual maximum amount that is set by the IRS. Those 55 and older are allowed by the IRS to contribute an extra $1,000 to their annual maximum amount. Those 55 and older are allowed by the IRS to contribute an extra $1,000 to their annual maximum amount.

How does catch-up work with HSA?

What's a catch-up contribution? A catch-up contribution allows any HSA holder over the age of 55 to contribute an extra $1,000 over the annual contribution maximums each year (in 2023, this is $3,850 for individuals and $7,750 for families). Why?

Catch-Up Contribution Rules Explained

25 related questions found

What is the 13 month 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.

Do both spouses have to be over 55 for HSA catch up contribution?

The contribution limit is divided between the spouses by agreement. If there is no agreement, the contribution limit is split equally between the spouses. Any additional contribution for age 55 or over must be made by each spouse to his or her own HSA.

What happens to HSA money after 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.

Should I max out my HSA?

Maxing out your HSA each year easily allows your funds to grow over time. Unlike regular savings accounts, an HSA allows you to invest funds in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.

What happens when an HSA holder who is 65 years old decides to use the money in the account?

Once you are 65, you can withdraw funds for any reason without paying a penalty, but they will be subject to ordinary income tax. For any reason, but if you are under age 65 and use your HSA funds for nonqualified expenses, you will need to pay taxes on the money you withdraw, as well as an additional 20% penalty.

Who Cannot participate in HSA?

An employee covered by an HDHP and a health FSA or an HRA that pays or reimburses qualified medical expenses can't generally make contributions to an HSA.

Do you get all HSA money up front?

With HSAs, you (or your employer or any other generous person you know) contribute money to the account throughout the year, and get to choose the amount you contribute along with how frequently you make those contributions. But you can't use them until they're in the account.

Can I contribute to an HSA if I am retired?

Provided all eligibility requirements are met, retirees can begin making contributions to their HSA as soon as the account is established or opened. Annual contribution limits are mandated by the Internal Revenue Service and are adjusted annually for inflation.

Can a retired person put money in an HSA?

When retiring early you can continue contributing to an HSA as long as you meet the requirements: You are not yet enrolled in Medicare. You're covered on a high-deductible health plan. You're not someone's tax dependent.

Can I contribute to an HSA from an old job?

Potential HSA Changes to Account for After Leaving Your Job

While your account and all the money within it remains yours to use indefinitely for any HSA-qualified medical expenses, you won't be able to make further contributions if you're no longer covered by an HSA-eligible health plan.

What is the average HSA balance?

The average HSA balance rose from $2,645 at the beginning of 2021 to $3,902 by the end of the year, the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit independent research organization found in its analysis of its HSA database, which had information on 13.1 million HSAs in 2021.

Is it better to contribute to HSA or 401k?

An HSA provides more tax benefits than a 401(k) as it's triple tax-free. (You can contribute money tax-free, your money can grow tax-free, and you can withdraw money tax-free (as long as you have qualified medical expenses.)

Should I max out my 401k or HSA first?

First off, most experts would recommend maxing out HSA contributions before maxing out 401(k) contributions because of the tax advantages that come with the HSA. There's no minimum age for HSA fund distributions, so when you need it to spend money on health care, it's got your back.

When should I stop contributing to my HSA before Medicare?

If you apply after that time, you should plan to stop depositing funds to your HSA up to six months prior to signing up for Medicare because you could face penalties if you continue to contribute. Decide when you plan to retire and when you plan to sign up for Medicare; those may not be the same date.

Can I contribute to an HSA while on Social Security?

If you have applied for or are receiving Social Security benefits, which automatically entitle you to Part A, you cannot continue to contribute to your HSA.

Can I use my HSA to pay for Medicare premiums?

The good news: You can keep using your HSA funds

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 my wife use my HSA if she's not on my insurance?

The IRS allows you to use your HSA to pay for eligible expenses for your spouse, children or anyone who is listed as a dependent on your tax return. That's true whether you have individual coverage or family coverage with an HSA through your health plan.

Can I contribute to an HSA if my spouse is on Medicare?

Yes, being eligible to contribute to the HSA is determined by the status of the HSA account holder not the dependents of the account holder. Your spouse being on Medicare does not disqualify you from continuing contributions to the HSA up to the family limit, even if they are also covered by the HDHP.

What is the December rule for HSA?

Last-Month Rule: If you become eligible by December 1, you can contribute up to the limit for the calendar year (in our example, up to the full $3,650 rather than only $608). You must remain HSA-eligible through the “testing period” (through the end of the following calendar year).

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.