Can my spouse and I have a joint HSA?

by | Sep 15, 2021

No, only one person can be named the account owner. If both you and your spouse have qualified HDHP coverage, and want to both make pre-tax HSA contributions or take advantage of the catch controbution once you are 55 or older, then you would each need to open an HSA.

If both you and your spouse have family coverage under qualified high-deductible health plans, the maximum total tax-deductible HSA contribution both of you can make (including employer contributions) is the IRS limit for family coverage. This contribution can be divided between you and your spouse however you wish. If you and/or your spouse are eligible to make catch-up contributions, you may each contribute your eligible catch-up contribution to your individual HSA.

Can unused funds in my HSA roll over into the next year?

by | Sep 15, 2021

Yes, unsued will carryover into the next year. There is no limit or cap on how large the balance can grow in your HSA. However, the annual limit you can contribute to the HSA may not exceed the maximum contribution amount set by the IRS each year, plus the “catch up” contribution for those ages 55 to 65.

Do I get taxed on distributions from my HSA?

by | Sep 13, 2021

Distributions from your HSA used exclusively to pay for qualified medical expenses for you, your spouse, or dependents are excluded from your gross income. Your HSA funds can be used for qualified expenses and will continue to be free from federal taxes and states taxes (for most states) even if you are not currently eligible to make contributions to your HSA. If you take a non-qualified distribution, you are subject to ordinary income tax and a 20 percent penalty tax. If you are age 65 or older, disabled, or for the year in which you die, the 20 percent penalty may not apply.

How are contributions made to my HSA?

by | Sep 13, 2021

Money may be deposited to your HSA through payroll deduction, if your employer allows, or you may make deposits directly to your account. Deposits may be made periodically or in a lump sum, but only up to the contribution limits set by the IRS.

  • Payroll deductions: If your employer offers the option, you may specify a regular contribution to be deducted from your paycheck. This contribution will be made before Social Security, federal, and most state income taxes are deducted.
  • After-tax contributions: You may choose to make all or part of your annual account contributions to your HSA by making “after-tax” contributions to your account. These contributions, which you can make by writing a personal check, may be deducted on your income tax return, using IRS Form 1040 and Form 8889. Employers may make contributions to your account as well; while you do not take a deduction for these contributions, they are excluded from your gross income.

Note: You will use IRS Form 1040 for your HSA contributions, not the short form 1040A or 1040EZ. This deduction is taken “above the line”: you do not need to itemize contributions on Schedule A in order to claim the deduction for HSA contributions.