HSA Shop logoHSA Shop

HSA Guide

Can You Take Money Out of an HSA Account?

Published January 9, 2023

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

Get the app
Short answer: Yes—you can withdraw HSA money, but non-qualified withdrawals before 65 may incur income tax and a 20% penalty, while after 65 withdrawals avoid penalties but still require income tax.

Basics, qualified uses, and rollover benefits

Yes, you can take money out of an HSA (Health Savings Account), but it is important to understand the rules and implications associated with withdrawals from your HSA.

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

  • You can use the funds in your HSA to pay for qualified medical expenses, including deductibles, copayments, and other out-of-pocket healthcare costs.
  • Unlike FSAs (Flexible Spending Accounts), the money in your HSA rolls over from year to year, so you can save and use it for future healthcare expenses.
  • If you withdraw money from your HSA for non-qualified expenses before the age of 65, you may have to pay income tax on the amount withdrawn, as well as a 20% penalty.
  • After the age of 65, you can withdraw money from your HSA for any reason without penalty, but you will still need to pay income tax on the funds if they are not used for qualified medical expenses.
  • If you have any unused funds in your HSA when you turn 65, you can use them for non-medical expenses without penalty, though you will still owe income tax on the withdrawn amount.

Consequences of non-qualified withdrawals

It's important to keep accurate records of your HSA withdrawals and expenses to ensure compliance with IRS regulations. Consult with a tax advisor or financial planner for guidance on managing your HSA funds effectively.

Absolutely! You have the ability to withdraw money from your HSA (Health Savings Account), but it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the rules and consequences tied to such withdrawals.

Consider these essential points:

Recordkeeping and professional guidance

  • The funds in your HSA can be utilized to cover qualified medical expenses, which include deductibles, copayments, and various out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures.
  • Unlike Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), the balance in your HSA can carry forward to the next year, allowing you to save for future medical expenses.
  • Withdrawing funds from your HSA for non-qualified expenses before reaching 65 incurs both income tax and a 20% penalty, so it's wise to use HSA funds for their intended purpose.
  • Upon turning 65, you can withdraw funds from your HSA for any reason without facing penalties, but remember that income tax still applies if the funds aren’t earmarked for qualified medical expenses.
  • If you haven’t used any HSA funds by age 65, feel free to use them for non-medical costs without penalty—though the income tax will apply to those withdrawals.

Always maintain accurate records of HSA withdrawals and expenses to stay compliant with IRS rules. Consider speaking with a tax advisor or financial planner for expert advice on managing your HSA effectively.

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