Does a Health Savings Account (HSA) Count as Out of Pocket Expenses on Taxes?

When it comes to tax season, many individuals wonder if their Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions count as out-of-pocket expenses. The answer to this question is both yes and no, depending on how you use the funds in your HSA.

HSAs are tax-advantaged savings accounts that can be used for qualified medical expenses. These contributions are tax-deductible, meaning you can lower your taxable income by contributing to your HSA. However, when it comes to using the funds from your HSA, there are a few factors to consider:

  • If you withdraw money from your HSA for qualified medical expenses, those withdrawals are tax-free.
  • If you withdraw money for non-qualified expenses, you will be subject to income tax as well as a 20% penalty if you are under the age of 65.

So, in essence, HSA contributions can count as out-of-pocket expenses in the sense that they are tax-deductible. However, how you use the funds will ultimately determine if they are considered out-of-pocket expenses on your taxes.


When tax season rolls around, many people start to wonder if the contributions they've made to their Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can be viewed as out-of-pocket expenses on their tax returns. The quick answer is, yes—but there's a bit more nuance to it!

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