Health savings accounts (HSAs) offer individuals a way to save for medical expenses while enjoying tax advantages.
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It’s crucial to remember that, like any investment, using HSA entails risk. Growth is possible, but there’s also a chance of losing out.
This page will discuss the following:
- Savings Account Definition
- What are health savings accounts?
- How do health savings accounts work?
- Health savings accounts limits
Savings Account Definition
A savings account is a bank account where you can store money securely while earning interest. Savings accounts are designed for longer-term storage of funds, with the intention of accumulating savings over time.
This basic financial tool lays the groundwork for more specialized accounts, like health savings accounts.
What Are Health Savings Accounts?
Health savings accounts are tax-advantaged accounts designed specifically for saving money to be used on qualifying medical expenses. HSAs offer financial flexibility to cover current health care costs and act as a strategic tool for medical expense planning and savings.
To open and contribute to an HSA, you must be enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). The funds in an HSA roll over year after year, making them an excellent option for building a reserve for future health care needs.
How Do Health Savings Accounts Work?
HSAs operate by allowing individuals to contribute pre-tax income to an account, which can then be used tax-free for eligible medical expenses.
One of the key features of HSAs is their triple tax advantage: contributions are tax-deductible, the account’s growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are also tax-free.
Contributions to an HSA can be made by either the account holder or their employer, and sometimes both. The funds in the account can be invested, allowing them to grow over time.
Health Savings Accounts Limits
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sets annual limits on how much you can contribute to an HSA. The Health Savings Account contribution limits for 2024 are as follows:
- Self-only coverage: $4,150, an increase of $300 compared to 2023.
- Family coverage: $8,300, an increase of $550 compared to 2023.
Those aged 55 and older can continue contributing an additional $1,000 as a catch-up contribution.
Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts vs HSA
Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts (HCFSA) and Health Savings Accounts both offer individuals the opportunity to set aside pre-tax dollars for medical expenses, providing significant tax advantages.
Both accounts are designed to cover out-of-pocket healthcare costs not covered by insurance.
However, HFSAs are typically use-it-or-lose-it accounts, where you must spend the funds within the plan year. HSAs do not have a spending deadline. Unused funds roll over year after year, allowing the account balance to grow over time.
What is the Tax Liability for Employer Contribution in Health Savings Accounts?
Employer contributions to HSAs are exempt from federal income tax, FICA (Social Security and Medicare) tax, and, in most cases, state taxes for the employee.
Furthermore, your own contributions to an HSA are either pre-tax (if made through a payroll deduction) or tax-deductible if you contribute post-tax dollars, lowering your taxable income.
HSAs as Long-Term Investment Option
Health Savings Accounts offer compelling advantages as long-term investment options. The funds in your HSA grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are also tax-free. This unique triple tax advantage makes HSAs an excellent addition to any long-term financial plan.
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