Each year, the IRS sets maximum contribution limits for health savings accounts (HSAs). For 2023, this limit increased slightly from 2022 due to changes in cost of living as was determined by the IRS. There are certain circumstances under which you can breach these limits without penalty, but you need to know the specifics of these rules. If you have questions about using an HSA to pay for medical expenses or save for retirement, consider speaking with a financial advisor.
What Are the HSA Contribution Limits for 2023?
The HSA maximum contribution for 2023 is $3,850 for individual coverage (up from $3,650 in 2022) and $7,750 for family coverage (up from$7,300 in 2022). However, these rules apply to people who keep their HSA coverage status for the entire year. The limits apply a bit differently for those who change coverage mid-year, which could occur because of a marriage, divorce or job change.
HSA Contribution Limits for 2023 When You Change Coverage
Any time you change your HSA status from single coverage to family coverage or vice versa, your maximum contribution for the year changes to the greater of the following options:
- Option 1: Maximum annual contribution limit based on coverage status for each month of the tax year combined, and then divided by 12.
- Option 2: Maximum annual contribution based on coverage status on December 1 of the tax year change was made.
This is a bit complex, so let’s go over some examples. Say you’re starting out with family HSA coverage in January 2023 and you switch to single coverage in July. Under the first option, your maximum contribution limit for 2023 becomes $5,800 (average of maximum contribution limits for six months of single coverage and six months of family coverage).
You’d take the result of the first option because it would rise above that of option 2. In this case, your coverage status on December 1 (single coverage) would be only $3,850.
Now, what if you pick a health insurance plan and open an HSA account last minute? Well you can then take advantage of the “last month rule.” This dictates that if you were eligible for an HSA on December 1 of the tax year, you’re considered eligible for the whole year. This means you may contribute the full amount based on your coverage status.
To keep this perk, however, you must remain covered until December 31 of the following year. If you fail to do so, you’d owe income tax based on the contributions you made during the time you stayed eligible (except for the ones you made based on the last month rule) plus a 10% penalty tax.
What If You Want to Contribute More to Your HSA?
When you turn 55 years old, the IRS allows you to make additional “catch-up” contributions of $1,000 to your HSA medical account. Federal law sets this static rate, so the IRS doesn’t adjust it every year for inflation.
But it gets a little tricky for family coverage HSAs. HSAs, including family coverage ones, exist under one account holder’s name. So, technically, there is no joint HSA. This means that if you’re married, you and your spouse can’t make $2,000 worth of catch-up contributions to the same HSA even if you’re both 55 or older. In this case, each may want to open a separate single-coverage account. But the decision can get complicated. So you might want to find a financial advisor to weigh the pros and cons of doing so.
In addition, you can continue making contributions into your HSA after turning 65 as long as you’re not also enrolled in Medicare as the IRS consider this a change in coverage. Regardless of age, however, it’s important to contribute as much as you can.
Why You Should Meet the HSA Maximum Contribution Limits for 2023
You can make tax-deductible contributions up to the maximum in 2023. This means that come tax time, you can reduce your federal taxable income by the amount you contributed.
So say you’re making $50,000 in 2023. You have a single coverage HSA and contributed $3,850. As a result, Uncle Sam taxes you as if your income was $46,150 that year.
How Can You Meet HSA Contribution Limits for 2023?
In order to contribute to an HSA, you must be enrolled in an eligible HDHP. The IRS defines what a high-deductible health plan actually is.
For 2023, an HDHP must carry a deductible of at least $1,500 for single coverage (up from $1,400 in 2022). That minimum climbs to $3,000 for family coverage ($2,800 in 2022). And the out-of-pocket maximum for an HDHP can’t exceed $7,500 for single coverage ($7,050 in 2022). For family coverage HSAs, the out-of-pocket maximum can’t breach $15,000 ($14,100 in 2022).
But that’s not all. Your HDHP must also pass other tests. For example, you won’t qualify to open an HSA if you’re HDHP covers any non-preventive care benefit before you meet your deductible. So ask your insurance carrier or employer’s benefits department if your HDHP can link to an HSA based on IRS requirements. If not, you may want to switch to a plan that can be paired with an HSA. The bright side is that you can open an HSA through a bank or financial institution even if your employer doesn’t offer one, as long as your HDHP makes the cut.
Bottom Line
Contributing to an HSA can be as beneficial as it is complicated. Ultimately, you have to follow IRS rules. If you stay covered by an HDHP for the entire year, the HSA maximum contribution for 2023 is pretty clear cut. But make sure you understand the rules that apply when you change or lose coverage mid-year for whatever reason.
Remember, you can start making additional catch-up contributions when you turn 55, and you can continue contributing after age 65 only if you meet standard eligibility and are not enrolled in Medicare. Regardless, the money in your HSA is yours to keep. You can use it tax-free on any qualified medical expense. Limits change each year so keep an eye on annual announcements from the IRS.
Tips for Retirement Planning
- A financial advisor can help you determine how to use your HSA. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
- If you have eligible HDHP but your employer doesn’t offer an HSA, you can open one through many financial institutions. To start, consider our list of the best banks in the U.S.
- An HSA serves as one of many beneficial tax-advantaged retirement vehicles. Another good option is an individual retirement account (IRA). Use our retirement calculator to see whether your retirement savings have you on pace for a secure retirement.
Photo credit: ©iStock.com/Mrfiza, ©iStock.com/Robertindiana, ©iStock.com/skodonnell