HSA Shop logoHSA Shop

HSA Guide

Can You Withdraw from HSA and Close the Account?

Published February 26, 2023

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

Get the app
Short answer: Yes—you can withdraw funds from your HSA and close the account, but taxable/penalized outcomes depend on withdrawal purpose.

HSA withdrawal and account closure basics

Are you considering closing your HSA (Health Savings Account) and wondering if you can withdraw funds from it? Let's delve into the details to understand the process of withdrawing from an HSA and closing the account.

Before deciding to close your HSA, it's important to be aware of the rules and regulations governing these accounts. Here's what you need to know:

  • HSAs are designed to help you save for qualified medical expenses on a tax-free basis.
  • Withdrawals from your HSA for non-qualified expenses may be subject to taxes and penalties.
  • It is possible to withdraw funds from your HSA at any time, but the purpose of the withdrawal determines if it's taxable or penalized.
  • When you close your HSA, any remaining balance in the account belongs to you and can be withdrawn.
  • Make sure to follow the proper procedure for closing your HSA to avoid any potential penalties or fees.

How withdrawal purpose affects taxes

In summary, yes, you can withdraw funds from your HSA and close the account. However, it's essential to understand the implications of doing so to avoid any unexpected tax consequences.

Have you been thinking about closing your Health Savings Account (HSA) and are curious if you can take out your funds? Let's break down the essentials to get you through the process. The primary purpose of an HSA is to provide a tax-advantaged way to save for medical expenses, so understanding how withdrawals work is crucial.

Before you take any steps toward closing your account, consider the following:

Final recap on withdrawing and closing

  • Your contributions to an HSA are typically tax-deductible, which adds a layer of complexity when you think about withdrawals.
  • If you're thinking about making a non-qualified withdrawal, it’s important to remember that this could lead to taxes owed plus a 20% penalty if you're under 65 years old.
  • You can withdraw from your HSA whenever you need; however, it's advisable that you only do so for qualified medical expenses to maximise your tax savings.
  • Post-closure, the funds left in your HSA remain yours, and you can retrieve them as needed.
  • Understand the formal steps required to close your HSA properly to sidestep potential fees or penalties associated with the closing process.

In summary, withdrawing funds from your HSA while also closing the account is certainly possible, but take the time to be clear about the potential tax implications and penalties tied to your decisions.

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