HSA & FSA Tax Savings Calculator
Account type
HSA: triple-advantaged, rolls over, requires HDHP. FSA: use-it-or-lose-it (with $680 carryover for health FSA).
HDHP coverage type (HSA only)
HSA: +$1,000 catch-up at 55+
Filing status
Share with friends
How to use
- 1 Choose account type: HSA (must have HDHP coverage), Health FSA, Dependent Care FSA, or Limited Purpose FSA (vision/dental only — combinable with HSA).
- 2 Enter your annual contribution. For HSA, also enter coverage (self vs family) and age — 55+ adds $1,000 catch-up.
- 3 Enter employer HSA contribution if applicable — combined employee+employer must NOT exceed the IRS limit ($4,400/$8,750 in 2026).
- 4 Enter your federal marginal rate (decimal — 0.22 for 22%) and state rate (% — 0% if FL/TX/WA/NV/SD/WY/AK/TN/NH).
- 5 Click Calculate to see federal tax savings, state tax savings, FICA savings (7.65% if payroll-deducted), total combined savings, and effective benefit rate.
About HSA & FSA Tax Savings Calculator
FAQ
Q What is the 2026 HSA contribution limit?
$4,400 self-only / $8,750 family. Plus $1,000 catch-up per spouse age 55+ (each spouse must have own HSA to claim their own catch-up). Combined employee + employer contributions cannot exceed the limit. Set by IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-19.
Q What is the difference between HSA and FSA?
HSA: requires HDHP enrollment, money rolls over forever, you OWN the account, can invest. FSA: any employer health plan, use-it-or-lose-it (max $680 carryover), employer owns the account. HSA also avoids FICA 7.65% via payroll, beats FSA on every dimension.
Q Can I have both an HSA and FSA?
Yes — but only with a Limited Purpose FSA (LPF, vision/dental only). General-purpose health FSA disqualifies you from contributing to HSA. Combo: HSA for medical/prescription + LPF for dental/vision = maximum tax shelter.
Q How much tax do I save with HSA in 2026?
Roughly 30-50% off every dollar contributed. Example: $4,400 HSA at 24% federal + 5% state + 7.65% FICA = $1,613 saved (36.65% effective rate). Family $8,750 at the same rates = $3,206 saved per year — almost a free HSA contribution.
Q What is HDHP — am I eligible for HSA?
High-Deductible Health Plan. 2026 minimum deductible: $1,700 self / $3,400 family. Maximum out-of-pocket: $8,500 self / $17,000 family. You must be enrolled in HDHP and have NO other coverage (Medicare, FSA, traditional health plan). Double-check before contributing.
Q Should I max my HSA over 401(k)?
For most people YES, up to the HSA limit. HSA is the only triple-tax-advantaged account (deduction in, growth tax-free, qualified withdrawals tax-free). Then max 401(k) match, then return to HSA, then more 401(k). Roth IRA after that. Savings hierarchy: HSA > 401(k) match > HSA more > Roth IRA.
Q What happens to FSA money if I don't use it?
Health FSA: up to $680 carries over to 2027; the rest is FORFEITED to your employer (unused funds become "discriminatory" plan revenue). Dependent Care FSA: NO carryover — $0 forfeit if you don't use it. Some employers offer a 2.5-month grace period instead. Plan carefully.
Q Can I use HSA for dependents not on my health plan?
Yes — HSA can be used for the medical expenses of your spouse and any tax dependents you claim, even if they're NOT on your HDHP plan. This is a powerful planning point: a dual-HDHP couple where one has HSA can use it for the other's medical bills tax-free.
Official resources
IRS Publication 969 — HSAs, FSAs, and HRAs
Internal Revenue Service official guide to HSAs, Health FSAs, Dependent Care FSAs, and HRAs with eligibility rules.
IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-19 — 2026 HSA Limits
Official IRS Revenue Procedure setting 2026 HSA $4,400/$8,750 limits, HDHP $1,700/$3,400 minimums.
IRS Form 8889 — Health Savings Accounts
Internal Revenue Service Form 8889 used to report HSA contributions, distributions, and deductions on Form 1040.
IRS — Dependent Care FSA & Child Care Credit
Internal Revenue Service official guide to coordinating Dependent Care FSA with the Child and Dependent Care Credit.