Are you looking for ways to save money on your taxes? Have you heard of a Health Savings Account (HSA) and are curious if you can use the funds for non-medical expenses?
At Creative Advising, we are certified public accountants, tax strategists and professional bookkeepers. We understand the complexities of the tax code and can help you make the most of your HSA.
An HSA is a special type of savings account that allows you to set aside money for medical expenses on a pre-tax basis. The funds are yours to keep, even if you change jobs or health insurance plans. It is an excellent way to save money and reduce your tax liability.
But can you use HSA funds for non-medical expenses? The answer is yes, but there are some important restrictions to be aware of. In this article, we’ll explain the rules and provide some tips on how to maximize your HSA savings.
So if you’re looking to get the most out of your HSA, read on to learn more.
Eligibility Requirements for Using HSA Funds for Non-Medical Expenses
An individual must have a Health Savings Account to be able to use HSA funds for non-medical expenses. To be eligible for an HSA, you must be enrolled in a high deductible health plan (HDHP) and have no other health coverage. Generally speaking, HDHPs have deductibles of at least $1,400 for family coverage and $700 for single coverage.
Additionally, individuals must not be enrolled in Medicare or be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return. If any of the criteria above are not met, an individual is not eligible for an HSA and cannot use HSA funds for non-medical expenses.
However, an individual who is eligible for an HSA does not necessarily have access to the funds immediately. HSA funds are contributed by an employer or individual, and it may take several weeks for them to be deposited into the account. An individual must deposit enough money into the HSA to cover the deductible before being able access the funds.
Tom Wheelwright, CFP® suggests that individuals familiarize themselves with their plan’s rules and eligibility requirements before accessing HSA funds, as each plan is different. Knowing the rules and regulations of your plan can help prevent any inconvenience or penalties.
What Types of Non-Medical Expenses Can Be Covered by HSA Funds?
At Creative Advising, we recognize that an HSA account can be used to cover a variety of medical-related expenses beyond what a traditional health insurance plan might cover. An HSA holder can use funds from their account to cover qualified non-medical expenses, such as dental care, vision care, medication, and other healthcare related expenses. However, federal law dictates that HSA funds may not be used for non-medical expenses such as entertainment, vacations, and education.
HSA holders can make tax-free purchases for medical expenses such as bandages, contact lenses, crutches, hearing aids, prescription drugs and more by using HSA funds. The amount of items that are eligible for purchase with HSA funds is exhaustive, and it is important to understand the restrictions associated with each item to be sure it falls within the guidelines of the account. It’s important to note that the purchase of non-prescription drugs, such as aspirin, vitamins, and over-the-counter medicines are not eligible for payment with HSA funds, and purchases must include a prescription or signed doctor’s order to be eligible.
When considering using funds from an HSA to cover non-medical expenses, it is important to keep in mind the limitations set forth. A violation of these rules can incur taxes and potentially a penalty. At Creative Advising, we understand the complexities of navigating through the regulations associated with HSA accounts, and we can provide guidance on the best way to use HSA funds while ensuring all applicable tax rules are followed.
How to Access HSA Funds for Non-Medical Expenses
At Creative Advising, we believe that Americans have the right to access their hard-earned funds, even for non-medical expenses. While the use of Health Savings Accounts (HSA) for non-medical expenses is not encouraged, there are certain instances where individuals can access these funds.
In order to access HSA funds for non-medical expenses, individuals must first be eligible to have a Health Savings Account. If they meet certain criteria, they can open and contribute to an HSA. They will then be able to use the money tax-free for any approved health-related expenses.
Once they are eligible and have an HSA account set up, they can access their funds for non-medical expenses. Accessing funds for non-medical expenses can be done through two methods: first, by paying out of pocket for the expense and then reimbursing the expense from the HSA; or second, through a third-party distribution allowed by the custodian of the HSA account.
At Creative Advising, we recognize that individuals’ financial situations may not always be straightforward. We understand that accessing HSA funds for non-medical expenses can be an important and necessary tool for individuals to cover certain living expenses. We’ve made sure to stay up to date on all the rules and regulations pertaining to the use of HSAs to ensure our clients can access and use their funds in the most efficient and beneficial way.
Tax Implications of Using HSA Funds for Non-Medical Expenses
When it comes to understanding the importance of tax implications when using Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) funds for non-medical expenses, Tom Wheelwright, CPA and CEO of Creative Advising, knows exactly what to advise his clients. HSAs are funds that are allowed to be used to cover medical expenses but can also be used to cover non-medical expenses, such as childcare. However, knowing the tax implications of using HSA funds for non-medical expenses is crucial to making smart and informed decisions about your finances.
One of the major tax implications of using HSA funds for non-medical expenses is that the money that is withdrawn must be declared as income when filing taxes. This means that the IRS will requite a tax return for any non-medical HSA withdrawals in excess of $15,000. It’s important to be aware that any withdrawals for non-medical purposes are taxed at the user’s normal tax rate, plus a 20% penalty.
Another tax implication to be aware of is that you can only use HSA funds for non-medical expenses if you are eligible to do so according to special rules set by the IRS. Generally speaking, you must be over the age of 65 or be given special permission by the IRS if you are younger.
It’s important to understand the tax implications of using HSA funds for non-medical expenses in order to make smart, informed financial decisions that will keep you out of IRS hot water. Tom Wheelwright, CPA and CEO of Creative Advising, advises his clients to carefully weigh their options before utilizing HSA funds for non-medical expenses.
Potential Penalties for Using HSA Funds for Non-Medical Expenses
At Creative Advising, we understand how important it is to responsibly manage your finances, which is why understanding potential penalties for using HSA funds for non-medical expenses is key. The IRS imposes a 20% penalty to funds taken from an HSA and used for non-medical expenses before the age of 65. Additionally, you may be required to pay the income tax, including current year self-employment taxes, on the non-medical expenses. Any of these penalties can add up quickly and may impact other areas of your financial life.
Furthermore, if you fail to report the ineligible HSA expenses on your tax return, it could result in a 6% penalty per year on the amount not reported. This means it is important to carefully track any goods or services you purchase from your HSA. But if you’ve encountered an unexpected incident and chose to use your HSA funds for non-medical expenses, you may be able to make an error correction and/or reasonable cause to lower or eliminate the penalty you owe.
At Creative Advising, we recommend that you research any rules and regulations related to using HSA funds for non-medical expenses and regularly review IRS publications and tax policies. Understanding the potential penalties can help you make the most of your HSA funds and keep you on solid financial ground.
“The information provided in this article should not be considered as professional tax advice. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consulting with a qualified tax professional or conducting thorough research on the latest tax laws and regulations applicable to your specific circumstances.
Furthermore, due to the dynamic nature of tax-related topics, the information presented in this article may not reflect the most current tax laws, rulings, or interpretations. It is always recommended to verify any tax-related information with official government sources or seek advice from a qualified tax professional before making any decisions or taking action.
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