What Happens to Excess After Tax HSA Contributions?

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are a great way to save money for medical expenses while enjoying tax benefits. One common concern that HSA account holders may have is what happens to excess contributions after taxes. If you contribute more than the allowed limit to your HSA, there are specific rules and options for handling the excess amount.

Here's what happens to excess after-tax HSA contributions:

1. Subject to IRS Penalty: If you contribute more than the maximum HSA contribution limit set by the IRS, the excess amount is subject to a 6% excise tax.
2. Options to Correct Excess Contributions: You have until the tax filing deadline (usually April 15th) to correct excess HSA contributions to avoid the IRS penalty. Here are some options:

• Withdraw the excess amount before the tax filing deadline.
• Recharacterize the excess contributions as a regular contribution to the next tax year.
• Let the excess amount roll over to the following year if you expect eligible expenses to cover it.

It's important to monitor your HSA contributions to ensure you stay within the IRS limits and avoid penalties. If you do end up with excess after-tax contributions, understanding your options and taking timely action can help you avoid unnecessary taxes and penalties.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) offer not only a way to save for medical expenses but also provide significant tax advantages. If you find yourself having contributed more than the IRS allows, it’s crucial to understand the implications of excess after-tax HSA contributions and how to manage them effectively.