HSA, FSA Taxes and Contribution Limits for 2025-2026
Here's how to get a tax break on medical bills through an FSA or HSA, plus get a sneak peek at the new 2026 contribution limits.
Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
Updated · 3 min read
Written by
Editor & Content Strategist 
Edited by
Managing Editor 
Co-written by
Editor & Content Strategist On this page
Medical expenses can take a big bite out of your wallet. But two special accounts — the health savings account (HSA) and the health flexible spending account (FSA) — can be good remedies for both your doctor and tax bills.
As with all things tax, there are exceptions and special rules for certain situations.
What is a health savings account (HSA)?
A health savings account (HSA) is an account you can use to pay a variety of medical costs. An HSA is only available to people who have a high-deductible health insurance plan. The contributions to an HSA are tax-deductible, and the account's earnings (if invested) are tax-free, as are withdrawals for eligible medical expenses.
The maximum amount you can contribute to your HSA also depends on inflation, as well as the type of high-deductible insurance policy you have.
Best Overall Tax Software
AD
- Federal: $79 to $139. Free version available for Simple Form 1040 returns only.
- State: $0 to $69 per state.
- Expert help or full service filing is available with an upgrade to Live packages for a fee.
Disclosures: TurboTax Free Edition is for Simple Form 1040 returns only (no schedules except for Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Student Loan Interest). Roughly 37% of taxpayers qualify.
2025 HSA contribution limits
In 2025, people with an eligible individual high-deductible health plan can contribute up to $4,300 to an HSA. Family contributions are capped at $8,550.
Per the IRS, high-deductible health plans for 2025 must have an annual deductible of at least $1,650 for self coverage and $3,300 for family coverage to be considered eligible. Out-of-pocket expenses cannot exceed $8,300 (self) and $16,600 (family)
| Self | Family | Catch-up contribution (ages 55+) |
|---|---|---|
| $4,300. | $8,550. | $1,000. |
2026 HSA contribution limits
Individuals can contribute up to $4,400 in 2026, up $100 from 2025. The family contribution amount for 2026 rises to $8,750, a $200 increase compared with 2025.
Per the IRS, a high-deductible health plan for the 2026 tax year must have an annual deductible of at least $1,700 for self coverage and $3,400 for family coverage. Out-of-pocket expenses cannot exceed $8,500 (self) or $17,000 (family)
| Self | Family | Catch-up contribution (ages 55+) |
|---|---|---|
| $4,400. | $8,750. | $1,000. |
What is a flexible spending account (FSA)?
A health flexible spending account (FSA) is a workplace account you can use to pay for certain medical costs that come out of your own pocket, such as insurance copays, prescriptions and other items needed to meet your health policy's deductible. You contribute to the account as a payroll deduction from your salary, and in return, the IRS agrees not to tax that portion of your salary.
Note: Some employers also offer dependent care flexible spending accounts (DCFSAs), which are different from health FSAs. DCFSAs can be used to help cover the cost of daycare, preschool and elder care.
FSA contribution limit 2025
The IRS establishes the maximum FSA contribution limit each year based on inflation. In 2025, the FSA contribution limit is $3,300, or roughly $275 a month. This is up from $3,200 in 2024.
Best Overall Tax Software
AD
- Federal: $79 to $139. Free version available for Simple Form 1040 returns only.
- State: $0 to $69 per state.
- Expert help or full service filing is available with an upgrade to Live packages for a fee.
Disclosures: TurboTax Free Edition is for Simple Form 1040 returns only (no schedules except for Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Student Loan Interest). Roughly 37% of taxpayers qualify.
How do HSA and FSA contributions work?
HSA contributions
- If your health savings account is based on a high-deductible health plan you get through work, your employer might set up payroll deductions on your account, meaning the money will go into your health savings account tax-free.
- If you make HSA contributions directly, you may be able to claim a tax deduction for that amount when you file your tax return. You don't have to itemize to claim the HSA deduction.
- If you're looking for a last-minute way to cut your tax bill, note that you have until the annual tax filing deadline to put money into an HSA for the prior tax year.
FSA contributions
- Once you set up your flexible savings account at work, the contributions automatically come out of your paycheck and go into your account each pay period.
- Good news: The money is contributed before tax, so your payroll tax bill should be a bit smaller.
» Learn more: How tax withholding works
How do I access the money in my FSA or HSA account?
- With an FSA, typically you either use a debit card tied to the account, or you pay out of pocket and then submit receipts to the FSA administrator so you can get reimbursed. Using an FSA debit card is usually easier, but remember that you may be asked to provide receipts to prove your purchases were eligible medical expenses.
- With an HSA, you’ll probably receive a debit card linked to your HSA account. Along with other annual tax forms, your HSA manager will issue a Form 1099-SA showing distributions from the account. Keep receipts and documentation of what you spent the money on, in case the IRS questions your tax deduction.
What if I don't use all the money?
Health savings accounts (HSAs)
- HSA money is yours — there are no deadlines to withdraw funds, even if you no longer have the same high-deductible health plan. You can even invest your HSA money in mutual funds or other securities, and the money can continue to grow tax-deferred and be used tax-free to pay for qualifying medical expenses at any time.
- Use HSA money for medical reasons, though. If you're under 65 and use the funds for other purposes, that money becomes taxable income, and you could face an additional 20% tax on the nonmedical use of HSA money.
- Once you turn 65, you can use HSA money for anything, but you'll owe tax on withdrawals that aren't used to pay medical expenses.
Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
The major drawback of an FSA is that it's a use-it-or-lose-it plan. If you end up having a healthy year and have money left in your FSA at the end of the benefits period, your employer gets the excess money. Some things to note:
- Rollovers: Some workplaces also allow employees to roll over a portion of the unused funds into next year’s account. The IRS limits FSA rollovers to $660 in 2025.
- Grace period: Some workplaces also allow a few months’ grace period to spend FSA funds from the previous year, but they are not required to do so. Grace periods typically go to mid-March.
You can find more in IRS Publication 969
Article sources
NerdWallet writers are subject matter authorities who use primary,
trustworthy sources to inform their work, including peer-reviewed
studies, government websites, academic research and interviews with
industry experts. All content is fact-checked for accuracy,
timeliness and relevance. You can learn more about NerdWallet's
high standards for journalism by reading our
editorial guidelines.
- 1. Internal Revenue Service. Rev. Proc. 2024-25. Accessed Sep 24, 2024.
- 2. Internal Revenue Service. Rev. Proc. 2025-19. Accessed May 1, 2025.
- 3. Internal Revenue Service. About Publication 969, Health Savings Accounts and Other Tax-Favored Health Plans. Accessed Sep 24, 2024.
Stressed about taxes or bookkeeping?
with LedgerWay