by admin | Apr 8, 2026 | Blog
Tax season sneaks up fast, and with the tax deadline right around the corner, it’s easy to forget that some employee benefits come with extra tax forms. If you used certain health or family‑related benefits this year, the IRS may expect a little more information when you file.
The good news? Only a few benefits actually need tax forms. Here’s a quick, simple breakdown.
Used an HSA? You’ll Need to File a Form
If you contributed to a Health Savings Account (HSA) or used HSA money for medical expenses, you’ll need to report it on your tax return.
Forms you may see:
- Form 1099‑SA – Shows how much money you took out of your HSA
- Form 5498‑SA – Shows how much money went into your HSA (for reference)
- Form 8889 – This form must be filed with your tax return
Even if you didn’t spend your HSA money, Form 8889 is still required if you made contributions.
Have a Dependent Care FSA? There’s a Form for That
If you used a Dependent Care FSA to pay for childcare or care for an adult dependent, this benefit must be reported.
Form you’ll need:
- Form 2441 – Dependent Care Expenses
This form helps the IRS make sure your dependent care benefits are reported correctly.
Helpful reminder: Healthcare FSAs do NOT require tax forms—only Dependent Care FSAs do.
Employer Helped With Adoption Costs?
If your employer provided adoption assistance, the IRS requires you to report it.
Form you’ll need:
- Form 8839 – Qualified Adoption Expenses
This form shows how adoption‑related benefits affect your taxes.
Quick Check Before You File
Before you hit “submit,” make sure you have tax forms for:
- HSA contributions or withdrawals
- Dependent Care FSA expenses
- Adoption assistance benefits
Having the right forms ready can help you avoid filing delays, errors, or IRS follow‑ups.
by admin | Mar 11, 2026 | Blog
As the March 15 FSA grace period gets closer, lots of people are taking a last look at their Flexible Spending Account (FSA) balances and figuring out how to use any leftover dollars before they disappear. If your employer offers a grace period, you get an extra 2.5 months—through March 15, 2026—to spend any remaining 2025 FSA funds. After that date, any unspent money goes back to your employer under IRS rules.
Knowing how the grace period works—and what you’re still allowed to buy—can make the difference between losing money and putting every dollar to good use.
What Is the FSA Grace Period?
The IRS gives employers the option to extend your FSA spending window by 2.5 extra months, which means you can continue using the previous year’s funds until March 15. So, if you still have 2025 money left in your account, you can use it on eligible expenses incurred up to March 15, 2026.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Your employer chooses the rules. They can offer either a grace period or a carryover (up to $680 for 2026), but they can’t offer both.
- Some plans also include a run‑out period, which simply gives you extra time to submit receipts—but doesn’t let you incur new expenses.
- Since every employer sets their own FSA options, it’s always a good idea to check the details of your specific plan so you know exactly what deadlines and exceptions apply to you.
What Can You Buy With Your FSA Funds Before March 15?
Here are the top five most useful, season‑ready picks from FSA Store — all guaranteed eligible and perfect for early‑spring needs.
1. Sunscreen (SPF 15+ Broad Spectrum)
A must‑have as the weather warms. All sunscreens SPF 15+ and broad‑spectrum are FSA‑eligible, and FSA Store carries dozens of options.
Shop here: Sunscreen Collection
2. Cold & Allergy Relief
Whether it’s lingering cold season or rising spring allergies, you can use FSA dollars on OTC remedies — no prescription required under current rules.
Shop here: Cold & Allergy Category
3. First Aid Kits
A fresh first‑aid kit is always a smart buy — especially with outdoor season coming up. Choose from family kits, travel kits, or expanded medical kits.
Shop here: First Aid Kits & Supplies
4. Contact Lens Solution
Daily essentials for contact lens wearers — cleaning solution, disinfecting systems, rewetting drops, and lens cases are all eligible.
Shop here: Contact Lens Care
5. Heating Pads
Perfect for muscle tension, cramps, or easing the aches that come with getting active again. FSA Store carries everything from standard pads to weighted massaging options.
Shop here: Heating Pads
Tips to Maximize Your Remaining FSA Dollars
- Check your balance today. Log into your account and verify how much you have left.
- Shop verified FSA‑eligible products. Online marketplaces like FSA Store carry only approved items, reducing guesswork.
- Book appointments immediately. Spots fill quickly before the deadline.
- Save receipts. Some expenses may require documentation or letters of medical necessity.
If your plan includes the grace period, March 15, 2026 is your absolute last day to incur expenses using 2025 FSA funds. Don’t let your remaining balance disappear—smart spending now means more value from your pretax dollars.
by admin | Jan 12, 2026 | Blog
Flu season is in full swing, and being prepared can make all the difference. The best part? You can use your FSA or HSA funds to stock up on these health essentials without spending extra out-of-pocket.
Here are the top 5 FSA/HSA-approved products to keep you healthy this season:
1. Thermometers
A reliable thermometer is a must for tracking fevers. Digital and smart thermometers are FSA/HSA eligible and help you monitor symptoms accurately.
🔗 Buy a FSA‑eligible thermometer
2. Over-the-Counter Medications
Pain relievers, fever reducers, and cough/cold medicines are often eligible with a prescription. Check your FSA/HSA store for flu symptom relief bundles.
🔗 Shop FSA‑eligible cold & flu meds
3. Humidifiers
Combat dry air and soothe congestion with a humidifier. Many models qualify for FSA/HSA coverage.
🔗 See eligible humidifiers
4. Saline Nasal Sprays
Affordable and effective, saline sprays help relieve nasal congestion and keep your sinuses clear.
🔗 Buy FSA/HSA‑eligible saline spray
5. Face Masks & Hand Sanitizers
Preventing the spread of germs is just as important as treating symptoms. Stock up on masks and sanitizers—both are typically covered.
🔗 Learn about mask & sanitizer eligibility
Why Use FSA/HSA Funds?
Using your tax-free dollars for flu season essentials is a smart way to save money while staying healthy. Don’t forget to check your FSA/HSA store for seasonal deals before your plan year ends!
For a full list of all eligible FSA items click here.
by admin | Dec 5, 2025 | Blog
The end of the year is almost here—can you believe it? Before you dive into holiday plans, take a quick peek at your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). You might have money sitting there that could vanish if you don’t use it soon!
Why You Should Check
- FSA funds usually expire: Most FSAs follow the “use it or lose it” rule. If you don’t spend the money by December 31, it could go away. Some plans offer a grace period or a small rollover, but not all do.
- HSA funds roll over: HSAs are more forgiving, but it’s still smart to use what you can now—especially for tax savings and health needs.
What Can You Buy?
You’d be surprised at what counts! Eligible items include:
- Prescription meds and over-the-counter medicine
- Glasses, contacts, and eye exams
- Dental visits and orthodontics
- First-aid kits, sunscreen, and even period products
Top 5 FSA/HSA Buys
Here are some popular, eligible items to spend your funds on before the year ends:
- Sunscreen – Protect your skin year-round.
Shop Sunscreen at FSA Store
- Blood Pressure Monitor – Keep tabs on your health at home.
Shop BP Monitors at FSA Store
- First-Aid Kit – Be prepared for life’s little surprises.
Shop First Aid Kits at FSA Store
- Menstrual Care Products – Pads, tampons, and more are eligible.
Shop Menstrual Care at FSA Store
- Thermometers & Wellness Devices – Great for family health tracking.
Shop Thermometers at FSA Store
Quick Tip
Every plan is different, so log in to your account or call your benefits provider to confirm your deadline and what’s covered.
Don’t let your hard-earned dollars go to waste. Take five minutes today to check your balance and make the most of your benefits before the year ends!
Explore More Eligible Items at FSA Store by clicking here.
by admin | Oct 20, 2025 | Blog
New 2026 limit provides greater savings flexibility for working families
Effective January 2026, the annual contribution limit for Dependent Care FSAs will increase from $5,000 to $7,500 per household. For those married filing separately, the limit rises from $2,500 to $3,750. This is the first permanent increase since the benefit was established in 1986, intended to help working families manage rising childcare costs.
This change was introduced as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025. The bill includes sweeping updates to employee benefits, aiming to provide greater financial flexibility for working families
A Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCA or Dependent Care FSA) is a pre-tax benefit account that allows employees to set aside money to pay for eligible child or adult dependent care expenses. These can include daycare, preschool, before- and after-school programs, and elder care services—provided the care enables the employee (and spouse, if applicable) to work or look for work.
Key Considerations for Employers
- Plan updates required: Employers must revise Section 125 cafeteria plan documents to reflect the new limits.
- Nondiscrimination Testing still applies: Plans must pass IRS rules to ensure fairness across income levels.
- Clear communication is essential: Employees need to understand the new limits, deadlines, and use-it-or-lose-it rules.
- Employers should connect with their HRIS partners/vendors to update system configurations accordingly.
- Employers with non–calendar-year plans may adopt the higher limit effective January 1, 2026, provided their plan documents are amended accordingly. Employers must also ensure no employee exceeds the annual $7,500 contribution limit for the 2026 tax year.
Employers may adopt the increased limit with their next plan renewal. If adopted, be sure to update payroll systems, plan documents, and employee communications before the start of the plan year.
