Recovery Numbers

HSA vs FSA Calculator

Compare the tax savings from a Health Savings Account (HSA) and a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) based on your income, tax bracket and expected medical spending. Free, instant, no data stored.

← Out-of-pocket maximum calculator

Your marginal federal rate. For 2025: single filers reach 22% at $47,150; MFJ at $94,300.

Enter 0 if your state has no income tax (TX, FL, WA, NV, AK, SD, WY, TN, NH).

2025 max: $4,300 (self-only) / $8,550 (family). Catch-up +$1,000 if age 55+. Requires an HDHP.

2025 max: $3,200. Use-it-or-lose-it with up to $660 carryover (if your employer allows it). No HDHP required.

Out-of-pocket expenses you'll pay: prescriptions, copays, dental, vision, procedures. Does not include premiums.

HSA balances can be invested (like a 401k) once past your plan's threshold (often $1,000). Enter 0 to ignore growth.

Comparison

HSA annual tax savings —
FSA annual tax savings —
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HSA vs FSA: key differences

HSA FSA
Requires HDHPYesNo
2025 contribution limit (self-only)$4,300$3,200
2025 contribution limit (family)$8,550$3,200 (per person)
Rolls over unused balanceYes — indefinitelyNo (up to $660 carryover)
Portable if you change jobsYesNo
InvestableYesNo
Tax on contributionsPre-tax (payroll) or deductible (IRA-style)Pre-tax payroll only
Tax on earningsTax-freeN/A (no investment)
Tax on qualified withdrawalsTax-freeTax-free
Non-medical withdrawals after age 65Taxed as ordinary income (like 401k)Not allowed

Frequently asked questions

What is an HDHP and do I qualify for an HSA?

A High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) has a minimum deductible of $1,650 (individual) / $3,300 (family) in 2025. If your plan meets that threshold AND the OOP maximum does not exceed $8,300 / $16,600, you are HSA-eligible while enrolled. You cannot contribute to an HSA if you are covered by Medicare, enrolled in a non-HDHP plan, or claimed as a dependent on someone else's taxes. Check your plan's Summary of Benefits or call your insurer to confirm HDHP status.

What can HSA / FSA funds pay for?

Both accounts cover the same IRS-defined qualified medical expenses: deductibles, copays, coinsurance, prescriptions, dental and orthodontia, vision (glasses, contacts, LASIK), mental health visits, and hundreds of other items listed in IRS Publication 502. Over-the-counter medications became eligible without a prescription after the CARES Act (2020). Premiums are generally not eligible, with a few exceptions (COBRA, long-term care, Medicare after 65).

Can I have both an HSA and an FSA?

Not a standard FSA — enrolling in a general-purpose FSA disqualifies you from contributing to an HSA. However, a Limited-Purpose FSA (for dental and vision only) is compatible with an HSA. Some employers also offer a Dependent Care FSA for childcare costs, which is always compatible with an HSA. Ask your HR team what FSA types your employer offers.

What happens to my FSA balance if I don't use it?

You lose it — unless your employer offers a grace period (2.5 months to spend after year-end) or a carryover of up to $660 into the next plan year. Employers can offer one or the other, not both. Check your plan documents before year-end to avoid forfeiting unspent FSA funds. An HSA has no such risk: your balance rolls over forever.

Why is the HSA called "triple tax advantaged"?

The HSA offers three tax benefits no other account matches: (1) contributions are pre-tax or deductible, reducing your taxable income; (2) earnings and investment gains grow tax-free; (3) withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free. A 401(k) is only double tax-advantaged (contributions are pre-tax; withdrawals are taxed). After age 65 you can use HSA funds for any expense, paying only ordinary income tax — making it effectively a second retirement account.