What Happens When You Over Contribute to Your HSA?

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are a great way to save and pay for eligible medical expenses with pre-tax dollars. However, there are limits to how much you can contribute to your HSA each year. If you contribute more than the allowed limit, you may face consequences and penalties. So, what happens when you over contribute to your HSA?

When you over contribute to your HSA, the excess amount is considered an excess contribution. Here's what you need to know:

• Penalties: The excess amount in your HSA is subject to a 6% excise tax each year until you correct the mistake.
• Correcting the Mistake: You can avoid the excise tax by withdrawing the excess contributions and any earnings on those contributions before the tax filing deadline.
• Repercussions: If the excess contributions are not corrected, the tax consequences can be costly and impact your overall tax situation.
• Future Contributions: You may need to adjust your contribution strategy for the following year to avoid exceeding the annual limit.

It's important to stay informed about HSA contribution limits and monitor your contributions throughout the year to avoid over contributing. If you realize you have over contributed, take immediate steps to correct the mistake and avoid unnecessary penalties.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) offer a fantastic opportunity to save on healthcare costs with pre-tax funding, but it's crucial to adhere to the annual contribution limits set by the IRS. Exceeding these limits can lead to various penalties and complications. So, what happens if you accidentally deposit more than you're allowed?