Why don t FSA funds roll over?

Asked by: Prof. Noah Cronin  |  Last update: September 14, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (42 votes)

Not every FSA allows rollovers: Employers aren't required to offer rollovers or grace periods. It's at their discretion to permit either one. Because of this, it can be a good idea to make sure you're contributing only what you believe you may spend on qualifying expenses in the plan year.

Why didn't my FSA roll over?

It's important to note that FSAs don't automatically rollover unless you set the plan up to do so. If you don't choose the rollover option, any remaining employee funds at the end of the year will be forfeited from their accounts.

Why does FSA money expire?

Flexible Spending Accounts are "use it or lose it," so you must spend whatever amount you put into it before your plan year expires. You should check important deadlines with the plan administrator to ensure you don't lose your tax-free money.

Will FSA roll over to 2024?

For FSAs that permit the carryover of unused amounts, the maximum 2024 carryover amount to 2025 is $640. For unused amounts in 2023, the maximum amount that can be carried over to 2024 is $610.

Where does the unused FSA money go?

For employees, the main downside to an FSA is the use-it-or-lose-it rule. If the employee fails to incur enough qualified expenses to drain his or her FSA each year, any leftover balance generally reverts back to the employer.

What happens to unused FSA money when you leave your employer?

31 related questions found

What happens to the FSA money I don't use?

The IRS created the ""use or lose"" rule, which states that all money left in your FSA is forfeited after the benefit period ends . If you don't use all of your FSA funds during the benefit period, you risk losing money.

Can I use FSA for gym membership?

Gym memberships. While some companies and private insurers may offer discounts on gym memberships, you generally can't use your FSA or HSA account to pay for gym or health club memberships. An exception to that rule would be if your doctor deems fitness medically necessary for your recovery or treatment.

Can I use 2025 FSA funds for 2024?

Health Care FSA: Up to $640 can be rolled over to 2025. Any amount remaining in your account above $640 after December 31, 2024, is forfeited. Dependent Care FSA: No funds roll over to 2025. You forfeit any funds remaining in your account after December 31, 2024.

Can you use FSA for dental?

You can use funds in your FSA to pay for certain medical and dental expenses for you, your spouse if you're married, and your dependents. You can spend FSA funds to pay deductibles and copayments, but not for insurance premiums.

What happens to FSA if you quit?

Do I Have to Pay Back My FSA if I Quit? If you quit before you use your FSA funds, your employer gets the money. You'll also lose the money if you're employed with the company but don't use all of the funds within the plan year.

Can I pay for Botox with FSA?

Botox injections are typically not eligible for reimbursement with an FSA, as they are primarily used for cosmetic purposes. However, in recent years, these injections have begun to be used to treat a variety of health conditions as well, including chronic headaches.

Is an HSA or FSA better?

Bottom line: Both HSAs and FSAs provide financial benefits for managing health care expenses. HSAs offer more flexibility and long-term growth potential, making them a valuable tool for future financial planning. Learn about HSA options from Aetna.

What is the maximum FSA carryover?

For FSAs that permit the carryover of unused amounts, the maximum carryover amount to 2025 is $660, increasing from $640 in tax year 2024. The carryover doesn't affect the maximum amount of salary reduction contributions that can be made.

Does FSA roll over indefinitely?

Healthcare FSA with Carryover

Funds may be carried over indefinitely. There is no time limit. Keep in mind that your employer may choose to limit the years that carried over funds can be accessed.

Can I use 2024 FSA for 2023 expenses?

Note: The IRS only allows you to be reimbursed from your health FSA for services received during the Plan Year. For example, you cannot use FSA dollars from a current Plan Year to pay for claims that took place in a prior Plan Year.

Are diapers FSA eligible?

Regular diapers for newborns and infants are not FSA eligible because they do not treat a medical condition, but rather aid a healthy function of the body. There are some ways to save, however, including sales, coupons, buying in bulk or joining rewards programs.

Are tampons FSA-eligible?

Feminine hygiene products: Pads, liners, and tampons all qualify as FSA-eligible expenses. The end of the year is a good chance to stock up if you need to. Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications such as Aleve, Tylenol, and generic versions of the drugs are available for purchase through FSA funds.

Can I buy a toothbrush with my FSA?

Brush-Up on FSAs and HSAs

However, current law does not recognize certain oral healthcare products — such as manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes, water flossers, mouthwash, or OTC anti-cavity toothpaste — as “qualified medical expenses.”

Can FSA be used for vitamins?

Only a few vitamins and supplements are eligible for an FSA. The three that are eligible are: Prenatal vitamins: Aid in fetal development and a healthy pregnancy. Glucosamine: Used to treat the thinning of cartilage between joints caused by osteoarthritis.

Can both spouses have an FSA 2025?

For the 2025 plan year, contributions to an FSA are limited to $3,300 per person. Married couples can therefore contribute a combined $6,600 if they each have an FSA.

How do I know if my FSA rolls over?

How do I know if my FSA allows rollovers? It's up to your individual employer whether or not they want to allow you to rollover any of your contributions. So to find out if your plan allows for this, contact your HR Department or FSA administrator.

Is toothpaste FSA eligible?

For example, daily care products, like Vaseline, toothpaste, and deodorant, are not FSA-eligible expenses. Gym memberships and health insurance premiums aren't eligible either.

Does FSA cover Apple Watch?

While your Apple Watch, Garmin, or other tracker may offer you some insight—and maybe even some encouragement—to stay on top of your fitness routine, they are not typically considered medical devices for purposes of FSA and HSA funds.

Does FSA cover peloton membership?

You can't directly pay for membership costs with your HSA/FSA card, but if you receive a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from Truemed or an applicable licensed medical professional and are eligible for reimbursement, you may be able to apply your HSA/FSA funds to the cost of a Peloton Membership while the LMN is ...

Can FSA pay for massage?

Massage Therapy may be eligible for reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA) and health reimbursement arrangements (HRA).