What Is A Flexible Spending Account(FSA)? A Beginner's Guide

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are an essential benefit many employers offer their employees.

An FSA is a particular account that allows you to set aside money before taxes to pay for eligible medical and dependent care expenses.

We will discuss the uses, benefits, and amounts of FSAs so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not an FSA is right for you.

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is an excellent way for anyone looking to reduce their taxable income and save money on out-of-pocket medical and dependent care expenses. An

FSA is an account you fund with pre-tax dollars from your paycheck and then use it to pay for qualified expenses such as doctor’s visits, prescription drugs, and even dependent care expenses.

In This Article

What Is An FSA?

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is an employer-sponsored benefit many employers in the United States offer. An FSA is a particular savings account that allows employees to set aside pre-tax money for medical and dependent care expenses.

This money is deducted from the employee’s paycheck before taxes are taken out, making the total amount saved on taxes more than if the employee had paid for the same expenses out of pocket.

FSAs help employees save money on medical and dependent care expenses, giving them more flexibility when managing their finances.

An FSA is different from a health savings account (HSA). While both accounts are used to save pre-tax dollars on medical expenses, an FSA has use-it-or-lose-it rules that apply.

Any money in an FSA not used by the end of the year will be forfeited. In contrast, HSAs do not have this limitation, and unused money can be rolled over to the following year.

Different Types Of Flexible Spending Accounts

There are two main types of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs):

Healthcare FSA

This type of FSA allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified medical, dental, and vision expenses that are not covered by insurance.

Examples of eligible expenses include co-pays, deductibles, prescription medications, and medical equipment.

Dependent Care FSA

This type of FSA allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified dependent care expenses. This can include daycare, after-school care, summer day camp, and elder care expenses. To be eligible, the care must be necessary to allow the employee (or their spouse) to work, look for work, or attend school full-time.

It’s worth noting that some employers offer a limited-purpose FSA, which can only be used for certain eligible expenses such as vision or dental care.

Additionally, some employers may offer a “rollover” or “grace period” option, allowing employees to carry over unused funds or use them briefly after the plan year ends.

However, these options are not required by law and may vary by employer.

How Does FSA Work?

Flexible Spending Accounts, or FSAs, are employers that can set up tax-advantaged accounts to help employees pay for eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses.

These accounts allow employees to use pre-tax dollars to cover qualified expenses, which can help them save money on their taxes and stretch their dollars further.

Here’s how an FSA works:

Setting Up An FSA

You can sign up for it during your company’s open enrollment period. You can choose how much money you want to contribute to your FSA for the upcoming plan year, up to the maximum the IRS allows.

In 2023, the maximum contribution limit for healthcare FSAs is $2,850, and the maximum for dependent care FSAs is $10,500.

Funding An FSA

Once you’ve signed up for an FSA, your chosen contribution amount will be deducted from your paycheck on a pre-tax basis.

This means that the money you contribute to your FSA will be deducted from your gross income before taxes are applied, which can help you save on taxes by limiting your taxable income.

Using An FSA

Once you have funds in your FSA, you can pay for eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses. These expenses must be incurred during the plan year, typically the calendar year, although some plans may have a different year-end date.

Eligible expenses for healthcare FSAs include deductibles, copays, prescriptions, and specific medical procedures. Eligible expenses for dependent care FSAs include expenses related to the care of a qualifying dependent, such as child care, preschool, and summer day camps.

To use your FSA funds, you’ll typically need to submit a claim for reimbursement. This can be done online, through a mobile app, or by submitting a paper claim form.

You’ll need to provide documentation of the expense, such as a receipt or invoice, and the claim will be reviewed to ensure that it meets the plan’s eligibility requirements.

FSA Deadlines

It’s important to remember that FSA funds are “use it or lose it,” meaning any funds remaining in your FSA at the end of the plan year are forfeited.

However, some plans offer a grace period or a carryover option that allows you to use some or all of your unused funds in the following plan year. Get information about your options from your employer or plan administrator.

An FSA is a tax-advantaged account that allows you to use pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses.

By setting up an FSA, you can save money on your taxes and stretch your dollars further, which can help you manage your healthcare and dependent care costs more effectively.

Benefits of an FSA You Need to Know

Flexible Spending Accounts, or FSAs, can benefit employees looking to save money on their healthcare and dependent care expenses.

Here are some of the key benefits of using an FSA:

Tax savings

Using an FSA has many benefits, not the least of which is the potential for tax savings. Because FSA contributions are deducted from your gross income before taxes are applied, you’ll pay less overall.

This can help you save money on your tax bill, particularly if you have high healthcare or dependent care expenses.

Lower out-of-pocket costs

An FSA can also help you lower out-of-pocket costs for eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses. Because you’re using pre-tax dollars to pay for these expenses, you can stretch your dollars further and make your money go further.

This can help you manage your healthcare and dependent care expenses more effectively, particularly if you have high costs.

Greater flexibility

FSAs can provide greater flexibility regarding how you pay for healthcare and dependent care expenses.

By using pre-tax dollars to pay for these expenses, you’ll have more money available to cover your costs, which can help you avoid dipping into your savings or taking on debt to pay for these expenses.

Additionally, because you’re using pre-tax dollars, you may be more likely to seek healthcare or dependent care services that you might otherwise have skipped due to the cost.

Peace of mind

An FSA can also provide peace of mind, particularly if you have high healthcare or dependent care expenses.

By setting aside money in your FSA, you’ll have funds available to cover your costs without worrying about how you’ll pay for them. Having a secure financial situation reduces stress and helps you feel more confident.

Accessibility

FSAs are generally easy to use and access. Most plans allow you to submit claims online, through a mobile app, or by submitting a paper claim form, making it easy to get reimbursed for your eligible expenses.

Additionally, because employers set up FSAs, you’ll have access to customer service representatives who can help you navigate the plan and answer any questions.

An FSA can provide several benefits, including potential tax savings, lower out-of-pocket costs, greater flexibility, peace of mind, and accessibility. If your employer offers an FSA, it’s worth considering whether it might be a good fit for your healthcare and dependent care needs.

FSA Contribution Limits: Your Maximum Allowance

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) help employees save money on eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses.

One of the critical features of an FSA is the ability to contribute pre-tax dollars to the account, which can provide significant tax savings. Each year, you can contribute only a certain amount to an FSA.

Here’s what you need to know about FSA contribution limits:

Healthcare FSA Contribution Limits

For the 2022 tax year, the contribution limit for a healthcare FSA is $2,850 per employee. You can contribute up to $2,850 pre-tax dollars to your healthcare FSA account in 2022.

However, it’s important to note that your employer may set a lower contribution limit, so you’ll want to check with your HR department to determine your specified limit.

Dependent Care FSA Contribution Limits

A dependent care FSA has a contribution limit of $5,000 per household annually. Married couples can each contribute up to $2,500 in pre-tax dollars to their dependent care FSA account in 2022. If you’re filing separately, the limit is $2,500 per person.

It’s important to note that the $5,000 limit is per household, not per child. Additionally, if you and your spouse have access to a dependent care FSA through your employers, you’ll need to coordinate your contributions to ensure you stay within the $5,000 limit.

Carryover and Grace Period Rules

It’s also important to note that FSA contributions are subject to carryover and grace period rules. Under the carryover rule, you can carry over up to $550 in new healthcare FSA funds from one year to the next.

This means that if you don’t use all of your healthcare FSA funds in one year, you can carry over up to $550 to the following year’s account. The carryover rule does not apply to dependent care FSAs.

Under the grace period rule, you have an additional 2.5 months after the plan year’s end to use any remaining funds in your FSA.

For example, if your plan year ended on December 31, 2022, you’ll have until March 15, 2023, to use any remaining funds in your FSA. The grace period rule applies to both healthcare and dependent care FSAs.

The contribution limits for an FSA can vary depending on whether you’re contributing to a healthcare FSA or a dependent care FSA and whether you’re contributing as an individual or as part of a household.

It’s essential to understand your specific FSA plan rules and contribution limits to maximize your tax savings and take advantage of any carryover or grace period options that may be available.

FSA Eligible Expenses

Many employers offer a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) that allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses.

FSAs can help you save money on healthcare and dependent care expenses by reducing your taxable income.

This article will provide a more detailed list of eligible expenses for healthcare and dependent care FSAs.

Healthcare FSA Eligible Expenses

Medical and Dental Expenses

Copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles for medical care

Dental care expenses, including cleanings, fillings, and braces

Prescription drugs and insulin

Over-the-counter medications and medical supplies with a prescription (such as pain relievers, allergy medicine, and blood glucose test kits)

Medical equipment and supplies, including crutches, blood pressure monitors, and wheelchairs

Vision Care

Eye exams

Prescription glasses and contacts

Prescription sunglasses

Mental Health Services

Outpatient care, including therapy and counseling

Inpatient care for mental health conditions

Prescription medications for mental health conditions

Pregnancy and Childbirth-Related Expenses

Prenatal care, including checkups and ultrasounds

Childbirth classes

Breastfeeding supplies and equipment

Hospital charges for childbirth

Other Eligible Healthcare Expenses

Acupuncture

Chiropractic services

Physical therapy

Smoking cessation programs and aids

Weight loss programs for medical reasons

Dependent Care FSA Eligible Expenses

Child Care Expenses

Daycare expenses for children under the age of 13

Before and after school care expenses for children under the age of 13

Summer day camp expenses for children under the age of 13

Elder Care Expenses

In-home care for an elderly dependent

Adult daycare expenses for an elderly dependent

Expenses related to a nursing home or assisted living facility for an elderly dependent

Other Eligible Dependent Care Expenses

Expenses related to a disabled dependent who is unable to care for themselves

It’s important to note that the above lists are not exhaustive and that eligible expenses can vary depending on your employer’s specific FSA plan. It’s also important to remember that certain expenses that seem like they should be eligible, such as cosmetic procedures, are generally not eligible for reimbursement through an FSA.

To ensure that you’re reimbursed for eligible expenses, keeping accurate records and receipts of all expenses you plan to submit for reimbursement is essential. Additionally, you may need clarification on whether a particular expense is eligible for reimbursement.

In that case, it’s always a good idea to check with your FSA administrator or HR department before submitting your claim. By understanding what expenses are eligible for reimbursement through your FSA, you can maximize this valuable benefit and save money on healthcare and dependent care expenses.

Conclusion

Flexible spending accounts are essential for managing your medical and dependent care costs. With an FSA, you can set aside money from your paycheck to pay for qualified medical or dependent care expenses, and your contributions will not be taxed.

The money in the account must be used within the year, or it will be lost, so make sure you use it all before it expires. Contributions are limited to your FSA, but overall it is a great way to save money on your medical and dependent care expenses.

FAQs

When can I enroll in an FSA?

You can typically enroll in an FSA during your company’s open enrollment period, usually in the fall of each year.

Some employers may offer mid-year enrollment for employees who experience a qualifying life event such as marriage, divorce, or childbirth.

What happens if I don’t use all of the funds in my FSA?

FSA funds typically have a “use it or lose it” policy, meaning that unused funds will be forfeited at the end of the plan year.

However, some employers offer a grace period or a carryover option that allows you to use your unused funds for a certain time after the plan year ends.

Can I have both an FSA and an HSA?

You cannot contribute to both an FSA and a Health Savings Account (HSA) in the same year, but you can have both accounts.

However, this rule has some exceptions, such as if you have a Limited-Purpose FSA that only covers dental and vision expenses.

What Is A Flexible Spending Account(FSA)? A Beginner’s Guide