HSA Calculator
Calculate your 2026 HSA tax savings and long-term growth. Uses current IRS contribution limits ($4,400 self / $8,750 family) and the triple tax advantage — federal income tax, state income tax, AND FICA tax on payroll contributions.
Last updated: April 2026 · Source: IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-19
Age 55+ adds $1,000 catch-up
0 if no state income tax (FL, TX, WA, etc.)
2026 HSA and HDHP limits
The IRS released 2026 HSA and HDHP limits in Revenue Procedure 2025-19 on May 1, 2025. HSA contribution limits increased by $100 (self) and $200 (family) from 2025. The HDHP deductible and out-of-pocket maximums also rose to match inflation.
| Limit | Self-only | Family |
|---|---|---|
| HSA contribution | $4,400 | $8,750 |
| Catch-up (55+) | +$1,000 | +$1,000 |
| HDHP min deductible | $1,700 | $3,400 |
| HDHP max OOP | $8,500 | $17,000 |
Frequently asked questions
What are the 2026 HSA contribution limits?
For 2026, the IRS increased HSA contribution limits to $4,400 for self-only HDHP coverage (up from $4,300 in 2025) and $8,750 for family HDHP coverage (up from $8,550). Individuals age 55 or older can make an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution. If both spouses are 55+ and both have HSAs, each can contribute $1,000 in catch-up — but the catch-up must be in separate HSAs. These limits were announced in IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-19 on May 1, 2025 and apply to the 2026 plan year.
Who is eligible for an HSA?
You must be enrolled in a qualifying high-deductible health plan (HDHP). For 2026, an HDHP must have a minimum deductible of $1,700 self-only or $3,400 family, and an out-of-pocket maximum no higher than $8,500 self-only or $17,000 family. You cannot be enrolled in Medicare, covered by another non-HDHP health plan (including a spouse's), have a general-purpose FSA, or be claimed as a dependent on someone else's tax return.
What is the triple tax advantage of an HSA?
HSAs offer three distinct tax breaks that no other account can match: (1) Contributions are deductible from federal income tax (and most state income tax). If you contribute through payroll, they also escape FICA tax — saving another 7.65%. (2) Any investment growth inside the HSA is tax-free. (3) Withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are 100% tax-free at any age. This makes the HSA mathematically superior to both traditional IRAs (which only defer taxes) and Roth IRAs (which skip the upfront deduction) for medical spending.
Can I use an HSA as a retirement account?
Yes, and this is one of the most powerful strategies in personal finance. You contribute now, invest the balance in index funds (most HSA custodians like Fidelity and Lively offer brokerage access), and save your medical receipts for decades. In retirement, you can reimburse yourself tax-free for any qualified medical expense from any prior year — there is no time limit on reimbursements. After age 65, non-medical withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income (like a traditional IRA) but without the 20% penalty.
What counts as a qualified medical expense?
Qualified medical expenses include doctor visits, prescriptions, dental care, vision care, mental health services, medical equipment, and many over-the-counter items. IRS Publication 502 has the full list. Notable items: Medicare premiums (after 65), long-term care insurance premiums (up to limits), COBRA premiums, laser eye surgery, orthodontics, and fertility treatments. Things NOT covered: gym memberships, cosmetic surgery, vitamins, and general health items like toothpaste.
What happens if I contribute too much to my HSA?
Excess contributions are subject to a 6% excise tax each year the excess remains in the account. To fix it, withdraw the excess amount plus any earnings before your tax filing deadline (typically April 15 of the following year). If you catch it early, there is no penalty — just report the withdrawal. Most HSA custodians have a specific "excess contribution removal" form for this purpose.
Can I have both an HSA and an FSA?
Generally no. A general-purpose healthcare FSA disqualifies you from HSA contributions because the FSA provides first-dollar coverage. However, you can pair an HSA with a "limited-purpose FSA" that only covers dental and vision expenses. Some employers also offer "post-deductible FSAs" that kick in after you meet your HDHP deductible. If your spouse has a general FSA, that also disqualifies you from HSA contributions (the FSA is considered family coverage).
Do HSA funds expire at the end of the year?
No — this is the biggest difference between HSAs and FSAs. HSA funds roll over indefinitely and remain yours even if you change jobs, switch health plans, or retire. The account is owned by you, not your employer. Many people mistakenly think HSAs are "use it or lose it" like FSAs. The opposite is true — HSAs are designed for long-term accumulation.
What is the HSA last-month rule?
If you are enrolled in an HSA-eligible HDHP on December 1 of a given year, you can contribute the full annual maximum for that year, even if you were only covered for part of the year. The catch: you must remain HSA-eligible for the entire following year (the "testing period"). If you lose HDHP coverage during the testing period, you must pay income tax plus a 10% penalty on the excess contributions you made under the last-month rule.
Can I invest my HSA like a brokerage account?
Yes, and you should if your HSA provider allows it. Most employer-sponsored HSAs require you to keep a minimum cash balance (typically $1,000-$2,000) before investing. Fidelity, Lively, and HealthEquity offer the most investment flexibility — Fidelity even offers zero-fee index funds. The average HSA balance at year-end 2024 was $5,000, but accounts that are invested rather than held in cash grew substantially faster than accounts left idle.
What if I stop being HSA-eligible?
You can keep your HSA forever — even without an HDHP. You simply cannot make new contributions until you regain HSA eligibility. You can still withdraw funds for qualified medical expenses tax-free. Many people lose HSA eligibility when they enroll in Medicare at 65 but continue to use their accumulated HSA as a tax-advantaged medical fund in retirement. You can even use HSA funds to pay Medicare Part B, Part D, and Medicare Advantage premiums tax-free.
How does HSA compare to a 401k or IRA for retirement?
For medical expenses, HSA wins decisively: contributions are pretax (like 401k), growth is tax-free (like Roth), AND withdrawals for medical are tax-free (unique to HSA). For non-medical use after 65, HSA works like a traditional IRA — taxed on withdrawal but no penalty. Before 65, non-medical withdrawals are taxed plus a 20% penalty. Strategy: max out 401k match first, then HSA to the full $4,400/$8,750 limit, then remaining 401k contributions, then IRA. The HSA sits in a sweet spot most people overlook.
Data sources: IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-19 (May 1, 2025); IRS Publication 969 (HSAs and Other Tax-Favored Health Plans); Fidelity HSA contribution limits research.
Last updated: April 2026. HSA limits are updated annually by the IRS each spring for the following tax year.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only and is not financial, tax, or medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.