What is the penalty for using HSA for non medical expenses?

Asked by: Mallory Kutch  |  Last update: December 26, 2023
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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use your money for non-qualified expenses, the IRS imposes a hefty HSA withdrawal penalty of 20 percent on the amount withdrawn.

What happens if you use HSA money for non-medical?

If HSA funds are withdrawn for non-medical use before age 65, some penalties apply. Funds withdrawn early lose their tax-exempt status and are subject to income taxes. Also, there is an additional 20% tax penalty for early non-medical withdrawals.

What is the HSA reimbursement loophole?

Again, you don't have to reimburse yourself for those medical expenses in the same year, or the same plan year that you incur those medical expenses. If you incur that medical expense, you can just write it down. And then you can reimburse yourself from the HSA at a later date.

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.

Can I use my HSA for groceries?

Food is 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).

MESSA ABC: Can I use money in my HSA for non-medical expenses?

27 related questions found

Can I buy toilet paper with my HSA card?

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).

Can I use my 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 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.)

Can I buy vitamins with HSA?

With this IRS definition in mind, while daily multivitamins are not FSA/HSA eligible, there are some types of vitamins that are eligible with consumer-directed healthcare accounts and others that may be eligible with proper documentation from a physician.

Can you pull cash out of HSA?

Yes. You can withdraw funds from your HSA anytime. But keep in mind that if you use 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.

Do I need proof for HSA reimbursement?

Recordkeeping Requirements

Good recordkeeping avoids future tax headaches. Essentially, any money that comes out of your HSA must have a receipt showing it was for an eligible medical expense. You may face a 20% penalty on any distribution that you cannot prove was for a qualified medical expense.

Does IRS check HSA reimbursement?

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.

Do I need to save 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.

What if I accidentally used my HSA card?

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 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 you use HSA for toothpaste?

Toothpaste: HSA Eligibility

Toothpaste is 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).

Can I buy a treadmill with my HSA?

A treadmill may be eligible for reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) and health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Can I use HSA to buy electric toothbrush?

Electric toothbrushes are not eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), health reimbursement accounts (HRA), dependent care flexible spending accounts, and limited-purpose flexible spending accounts (LPFSA) because they are general health products.

Can you use HSA for chiropractor?

Chiropractic treatment reimbursement is eligible with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Does HSA cover dental and vision?

Medical, dental or vision office visits are eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA). Only preventive medical, dental and vision expenses are eligible under a limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA).

Do I need vision insurance if I have HSA?

You don't even need vision insurance. As long as you have a vision prescription, you can use your HSA or FSA on the following eyecare expenses: Prescription glasses and sunglasses. Contact lenses (not including non-prescription contacts)

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 I use my HSA to pay for life insurance?

Expenses NOT Eligible for under an HSA

The following are expenses that are often mistaken as qualified HSA expenses, but are NOT eligible: Health insurance premiums other than those listed above, including Medicare Supplement, Medicare Part D Rx Plans, and Medigap policies. Life insurance or income protective policies.

Is melatonin HSA-eligible?

Melatonin is not eligible with a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA) or a limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA). What is melatonin? Melatonin is a hormone in your body associated with sleep. During the day, less melatonin is produced and during the night, more melatonin is produced.

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.