5 Tax Benefits of a Health Savings Account (HSA)

When it comes to tax-advantaged accounts, few tools are as powerful—or as flexible—as a Health Savings Account (HSA). If you’re enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), an HSA can help you save for medical expenses while delivering a unique triple tax advantage that no other account offers.

1. Triple Tax Benefit

Did you know? An HSA is the only account that saves you taxes on both sides—and even in the middle:

1. Tax deduction when you make contributions

2. Tax-free growth on investments

3. Tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses

Example: Let’s say you have family coverage and contribute the 2024 maximum of $8,300.

• At a 24% tax bracket, you save $1,992 in federal taxes immediately.

• If you invest that contribution and it grows over time, you won’t pay tax on the earnings.

• When you later use the funds for a $2,500 surgery, you won’t owe any tax on the withdrawal.

2. Qualified Expenses Are Broadly Defined

HSA funds can be used for a wide range of medical costs, making it an incredibly versatile account. Qualified expenses include:

• Doctor’s visits and hospital stays

• Prescription medications

• Dental and vision care

• Long-term care expenses

• Certain Medicare premiums

This flexibility means you can use your HSA to cover immediate needs or to prepare for future medical costs in retirement.

3. No “Use-It-or-Lose-It” Rule

Unlike FSAs, HSAs roll over every year. Your funds can grow year after year, giving you the option to use them decades later for big-ticket medical costs in retirement.

Example: You contribute $6,000 per year for 15 years, never withdraw, and invest the funds at 6% growth. You could have over $150,000 set aside—completely tax-free for future medical expenses.

4. Retirement Flexibility After Age 65

After age 65, you can withdraw HSA funds for any reason without penalties. Non-medical withdrawals are taxed like a traditional IRA, but medical withdrawals stay tax-free for life.

Example: At 67, you decide to use $10,000 from your HSA for a dream vacation. You’ll pay income tax, but no penalty. If you instead use that $10,000 for Medicare premiums or surgery, it’s entirely tax-free.

5. Lower Tax Liability

By contributing to an HSA, you effectively decrease your taxable income, potentially moving into a lower tax bracket. This benefit is particularly advantageous for high earners seeking to reduce their overall tax burden while strategically saving for unforeseen health-related expenses.

HSA To-Do List for Readers

1. Verify Eligibility: Ensure you’re enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and meet other IRS criteria.

2. Open or Fund Your HSA: Maximize contributions for your coverage type (self-only or family).

3. Pick Investments Carefully: Choose options that allow your HSA balance to grow over time.

4. Track Qualified Expenses: Keep receipts for doctor visits, prescriptions, dental, vision, and other eligible costs.

5. Plan for Retirement: Consider using HSA funds strategically in retirement, either for healthcare or as a supplemental tax-advantaged account.

6. Review Annually: Reassess contribution limits, investment choices, and your medical spending needs each year.

Next Step

If you’re eligible, consider how an HSA could be part of your tax and retirement strategy. Come schedule a one-on-one evaluation with our CPA to see if an HSA is the right choice for you and exactly how it can work in your financial plan.