How much can you contribute to your HSA and FSA in 2024?

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Contributing to a health savings and spending account, such as an HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) can lower your taxable income. That’s because your contributions to these accounts are pre-tax. However, there are limits to how much you can contribute to an HSA or FSA each year. And if you exceed those contribution limits, you could face financial penalties.

You probably already have the limits for 2023 that you’ll use when you file your 2023 tax return. But if you like to plan ahead, the IRS just announced health savings account contribution limits for 2024. 

Here’s what you need to know.

HSA limit for 2024

The IRS announced the HSA contribution limits for 2024. Individuals can contribute up to $4,150 to their HSA accounts for 2024, and families can contribute up to $8,300.

  • These amounts are approximately 7% higher than the HSA contribution limits for 2023. 
  • Catch-up contribution limits for taxpayers 55 and older remain unchanged at $1,000. 
  • There are no rollover limits for HSA contributions. Any amount left over at the end of the year will automatically roll over into the next.

However, keep in mind that not everyone can contribute to an HSA. You must have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) to open a health savings account. But if you don’t have an HDHP, you might still be able to open another type of medical savings account, like a FSA.

FSA limit for 2024 

If you don’t have a high-deductible health plan, opening a health FSA may be an option. However, unlike health savings accounts, you can only open an FSA if your employer offers one. That means self-employed taxpayers aren’t eligible for FSAs. But if you do have an FSA in 2024, here are the maximum amounts you can contribute for 2024 (tax returns normally filed in 2025).

  • The 2024 maximum Health FSA contribution limit is $3,200.
  • For cafeteria plans that allow the carryover of unused amounts, the maximum carryover amount for 2024 is $640.

Penalty for making excess contributions  

If you exceed contribution limits for an HSA or FSA, the excess amount will be subject to regular income tax. But that’s not all. An excise tax of 6% will also apply to any amount that is over the contribution limit. 

If you find that you’ve exceeded your health savings plan contribution limit, you can correct the mistake, as long as you withdraw the excess funds before the federal tax filing deadline. Don’t forget to withdraw any interest earned on the excess funds if you want to avoid additional taxes.

HSA vs. FSA: which is better?

HSAs and FSAs each come with advantages and disadvantages, and you will have to make decisions around what will work best for you. Which type of medical savings account you feel is best for you depends on your circumstances. For example, a low deductible health plan (which disqualifies you for an HSA) might make more sense for people who expect to have significant medical expenses. But an HSA might be a good option for taxpayers with lower out-of-pocket medical expenses or if their employer doesn’t offer any medical savings account.

What are qualified medical expenses? Typically, funds in a Health FSA or HSA can be used to pay for the same types of qualifying medical expenses. Here are a few examples of what expenses qualify:

  • Copays
  • Prescription and non-prescription drugs
  • Prescription eyeglasses
  • Dental procedures

For a full list of qualifying medical expenses, you can check with your medical savings account provider or visit www.irs.gov.

 

This article was written by Katelyn Washington from Kiplinger and was legally licensed through the DiveMarketplace by Industry Dive. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com.

 

This information is provided by Voya for your education only. Neither Voya nor its representatives offer tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax or legal advisor before making a tax-related investment/insurance decision.

Products and services offered through the Voya® family of companies.

Health Account Solutions, including Health Savings Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts, Commuter Benefits, Health Reimbursement Arrangements, and COBRA Administration offered by Voya Benefits Company, LLC (in New York, doing business as Voya BC, LLC). HSA custodial services provided by Voya Institutional Trust Company. For all other products, administration services provided in part by WEX Health, Inc.

This highlights some of the benefits of these accounts. If there is a discrepancy between this material and the plan documents, the plan documents will govern. Subject to any applicable agreements, Voya and WEX Health, Inc. reserve the right to amend or modify the services at any time.

The amount saved in taxes will vary depending on the amount set aside in the account, annual earnings, whether or not Social Security taxes are paid, the number of exemptions and deductions claimed, tax bracket and state and local tax regulations. Check with a tax advisor for information on whether your participation will affect tax savings. None of the information provided should be considered tax or legal advice.

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