HSA contribution calculator: your limit & the triple tax break
The myth that costs people thousands: "an HSA is use-it-or-lose-it, so why bother." That's an FSA. An HSA rolls over forever, the money is yours, and it's the only account with a triple tax advantage — deductible in, tax-free growth, tax-free out. See your 2026 limit and what the tax break is worth.
Your 2026 HSA
Your numbers
How HSA limits work & data sources
For 2026 you can contribute up to $4,400 with self-only HDHP coverage or $8,750 with family coverage, plus a $1,000 catch-up if you're 55 or older (each spouse who is 55+ needs their own HSA to make their own catch-up). To qualify you must be covered by a High Deductible Health Plan — for 2026 that means a deductible of at least $1,700 (self) / $3,400 (family) and out-of-pocket max no more than $8,500 / $17,000. If you weren't eligible all year, the limit is generally prorated by months of coverage (the last-month rule can let you contribute the full amount if you're eligible on December 1, with a testing period). The triple tax advantage: contributions are deductible (or pre-tax via payroll), growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical costs are tax-free. Unlike a Health FSA, funds roll over and are portable — never use-it-or-lose-it. Contribute over the limit and the excess faces a 6% excise tax each year until withdrawn. After 65 you can still withdraw for anything (non-medical is taxed as income but with no 20% penalty); once on Medicare you can no longer contribute.
Sources: IRS — Rev. Proc. 2025-19 (2026 HSA/HDHP limits) · IRS — Pub. 969 (HSAs, rollover, triple tax)
Frequently asked questions
Do I lose my HSA money at year-end?
No. That's the FSA rule. Every dollar in an HSA rolls into next year and stays yours indefinitely — you can even invest it and let it grow for retirement.
What happens if I over-contribute?
The excess is hit with a 6% excise tax for each year it stays in the account, unless you withdraw it (plus earnings) by the tax filing deadline. This tool flags it if you enter an amount already contributed.
Is the HSA really a retirement account?
It can be one of the best. After 65 you can withdraw for any reason (non-medical is taxed as ordinary income, like a traditional IRA, but with no penalty), and medical withdrawals stay tax-free — so it's a stealth retirement account with a health-cost bonus.
Can I have an HSA on Medicare?
You can keep and spend an existing HSA, but you can't contribute once you enroll in Medicare. Many people front-load contributions in the years before 65.