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Can You Remove Money from Your HSA?

Published January 1, 2023

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Short answer: Yes—you can withdraw funds from your HSA, but you must follow rules: qualified medical expenses are allowed; non-qualified withdrawals before 65 incur income tax plus a 20% penalty, while after 65 non-medical withdrawals avoid penalties but still require income tax.

Basic HSA withdrawal allowance and rules

One common question people have about Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) is whether they can remove money from it. The answer is yes, you can withdraw funds from your HSA, but there are specific rules and regulations to follow to avoid penalties.

Here are some important points to know about withdrawing money from your HSA:

Qualified vs non-qualified expenses

  • You can use HSA funds to pay for qualified medical expenses, including doctor's visits, prescriptions, and dental care.
  • If you withdraw money for non-qualified expenses before the age of 65, you may face income tax plus a 20% penalty.
  • After the age of 65, you can withdraw HSA funds for non-medical expenses without penalty, though you will need to pay income tax on the amount withdrawn.

It's essential to keep records of your HSA withdrawals and ensure that they are used for eligible expenses to avoid penalties and fines.

Many individuals wonder if they can take money out of their Health Savings Account (HSA) when necessary. The good news is that you absolutely can withdraw funds. Just remember to adhere to the regulations outlined to steer clear of costly penalties.

To clarify further, here are some key details about HSA withdrawals:

  • HSA funds can be utilized for a variety of qualified medical expenses, such as copays for doctor's appointments, prescription medications, and even dental treatments.
  • If you decide to take out money for non-qualified expenses prior to turning 65, be aware that not only will you incur income tax, but also a steep 20% penalty.
  • Once you've reached the age of 65, you have more flexibility. You can withdraw funds without incurring penalties for non-medical expenses, but you'll still need to pay income tax on any amounts taken out.

Recordkeeping to avoid penalties

Keeping detailed records of your HSA withdrawals is crucial. This ensures all withdrawals align with eligible expenses, helping you avoid unnecessary trouble with penalties.

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