Do You Pay Taxes on Unused HSA? Exploring HSA Tax Implications

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are a great tool for managing healthcare expenses while enjoying tax benefits. One common question that arises among HSA account holders is whether they pay taxes on unused funds in their HSA.

Unlike Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), where funds may be forfeited at the end of the year, any money you contribute to your HSA remains yours, even if you don't use it all during the year. Here's what you need to know about the tax implications of unused HSA funds:

  • If you have funds left in your HSA at the end of the year, they roll over to the next year, tax-free.
  • There is no expiration date on HSA funds, so you can continue to accumulate savings over time.
  • You can invest your HSA funds to help them grow, and any earnings are also tax-free.
  • While you don't pay taxes on unused HSA funds, it's essential to keep track of your expenses and contributions for tax reporting purposes.

In summary, you do not pay taxes on unused funds in your HSA, making it a valuable savings vehicle for healthcare costs both in the short and long term.


Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are designed to empower you to manage your healthcare costs effectively while reaping significant tax advantages. A frequent query that HSA holders often have is regarding the taxation of funds that go unused during the year.

Unlike Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), where you risk losing unspent funds, the beauty of HSA funds is that they are yours to keep, regardless of whether you spend them all in one year. Here’s a deeper look at the tax implications surrounding any unused funds in your HSA:

  • Your unused HSA funds carry over to the next year without any tax penalty, allowing your savings to grow.
  • There’s no deadline or expiration on your HSA funds, which means you can build up your savings indefinitely.
  • You have the option to invest your HSA balance, allowing it to grow, with profits and dividends remaining tax-free.
  • Even though you won’t owe taxes on unused contributions, keeping precise records of your healthcare expenses and deposits is crucial for appropriately filing your taxes.

In conclusion, there’s no tax burden on unused funds in your HSA, positioning it as a superb asset for both immediate and future healthcare expenses.

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