HSA Shop logoHSA Shop

HSA Guide

Are HSAs Subject to RMDs?

Published January 31, 2022

Check eligibility on the gobrowse 7,000+ HSA-eligible products in the free app.

Get the app
Short answer: HSAs are not subject to Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), so you can leave HSA funds indefinitely without RMD withdrawals.

HSAs and whether RMDs apply

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) have become increasingly popular as a way to save for medical expenses while enjoying tax advantages. However, many people wonder whether HSAs are subject to Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) like other retirement accounts.

Unlike Traditional IRAs or 401(k)s, HSAs are not subject to RMDs. This means that you can leave your money in your HSA indefinitely without having to make withdrawals once you reach a certain age.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) have become a popular option for those looking to save for future medical expenses while also enjoying significant tax benefits. But one question that often arises is whether HSAs are subject to Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), as is the case with other retirement savings vehicles like Traditional IRAs or 401(k)s.

The great news is that HSAs are not governed by RMD rules! This means that you can leave your funds in your HSA to grow and compound indefinitely, a feature that many investors find appealing.

HSA flexibility rules and key advantages

One of the main benefits of HSAs is their flexibility and control over your funds. Here are some key points to remember about HSAs and RMDs:

  • HSAs do not have age restrictions for contributions or withdrawals
  • There is no maximum age limit for contributing to an HSA
  • Unused funds in an HSA roll over from year to year, unlike Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Withdrawals from an HSA for qualified medical expenses are tax-free

Another key advantage of HSAs is the flexibility they provide. Here are some crucial points to keep in mind regarding HSAs and RMDs:

  • HSAs have no age restrictions regarding contributions or withdrawals, giving you full control over your funds.
  • Even if you reach retirement age, you're still allowed to contribute to your HSA as long as you're enrolled in a high-deductible health plan.
  • Unused HSA funds automatically roll over year after year; unlike Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), there is no “use it or lose it” policy.
  • Moreover, any withdrawals made for qualified medical expenses are entirely tax-free, which adds to the overall savings.

Tax and penalty rules before and after 65

It's important to note that if you use your HSA funds for non-qualified expenses before age 65, you will incur income tax and a penalty. However, after age 65, you can use HSA funds for any purpose penalty-free, though income tax is still applicable for non-qualified expenses.

It's important to keep in mind that if you utilize HSA funds for non-qualified expenses before reaching the age of 65, you will face taxes and a penalty. However, once you turn 65, you can use the funds for any purpose without a penalty, though taxes will still apply to non-qualified withdrawals.

Free App

Browse 7,000+ HSA-Eligible Products

Search by symptom, get price alerts, and build your HSA shopping list — all in the free app.

← Back to all articles