HSA tax center
Questions about how to save on taxes?
At Optum Bank, we want to make sure you make the most of your HSA, and that includes understanding all of the tax benefits.
Looking for your bank or tax statements? Sign in to your account and click on Statement & Tax Docs in the I want to section to view or download your statement.
Questions about your taxes? We’re here to help.
Q: What are the tax benefits of contributing to an HSA?
A: An HSA provides triple tax savings — contributions are not taxed, account growth through interest and investment earnings are not taxed, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are income tax-free. It’s a win-win to save on health costs today, tomorrow and even through retirement.
Plus, you could save up to 30% when you use your HSA for qualified expenses since you're using pre-tax HSA dollars.*
Q: How do I save up to 30% on qualified medical expenses?
A: You can use your pre-taxed HSA dollars to cover thousands of expenses like doctor visits, cold medicine, first aid kits, sunscreen, prescription refills and more. The 30% savings compares using pre-tax income in your HSA to using after-tax income out of pocket for purchases. Click here to browse qualified medical expenses you can buy with your HSA.
You can save even more shopping at Optum Store. Use code OPTHSA5 with your HSA to receive a 5% discount.
Q: What is the HSA contribution deadline?
A: The HSA contribution deadline is the same date as the tax filing deadline for that plan year, typically April 15. Certain states or areas of the country may have additional time due to local holidays or natural disaster extensions. Please seek additional information from the IRS or your tax advisor.
Click here for more information on the annual contribution limits.
Q: How do I obtain a copy of my tax forms?
A: You can get copies of your most recent tax forms by signing in to your account online and viewing the "Statements and Tax Docs" section.
Q: How do I save on taxes with an HSA?
A: The money you contribute to your HSA is tax-deductible up to the annual contribution limit. For example, if you are in the 28% tax bracket and deposit $3,000 into your HSA, you could save $840 in federal income taxes. Money you take out of your HSA to pay for qualified medical expenses is tax-free. Interest you may earn on your HSA grows income tax-free.
Q: Which forms do I need to file my taxes?
A: There are 3 tax forms associated with health savings accounts (HSAs): IRS Form 1099-SA, 5498-SA and IRS Form 8889.
Please use the information in your 1099-SA form, available online, to fill out IRS tax form 8889. Form 8889 is the only one you need to submit with your taxes. You can find IRS tax form 8889 in the "Statements & Docs" section after signing in to your account.
- IRS form 1099-SA shows the amount of money you spent from your HSA during the tax year.
- IRS form 5498-SA shows the amount of money deposited into your HSA for the tax year.
- IRS form 8889 is the form you fill out and submit with your tax return.
Tax Time and an HSA
[Optum Bank logo (not FDIC)]
Headline: Tax Time and an HSA video transcript
Tax Time and an HSA
Want to save money on taxes?
(OPTUMBankÒ Logo)
It’s easy with your OPTUMBank® Health Savings Account or HSA.
With your HSA you can save on taxes 3 different ways.
First contributions to your HSA go in income tax free.
Second any money you take out of your account to pay for qualified medical expenses is also income tax free.
Third any money you save or invest grows income tax free.
And what happens when you make a post-tax contribution to your HSA? Don’t worry you will receive those tax benefits at tax time when you file your income taxes.
(Graphic of calendar with the date April 15th circled)
Added all up and it’s more money for you and less for Uncle Sam.
When it comes time to do your taxes you’ll have to gather some information about your HSA.
It’s actually pretty easy you basically need to know about 3 IRS Forms, linked to health savings accounts.
Form 1099-SA tells you the total distributions or payments that were made from your HSA.
Form 5498-SA summarizes the contributions or deposits you made to your HSA in a particular tax year.
You can also find your contribution information on your December HSA statement.
Form 8889 this is the form you’ll actually submit with your federal income tax return.
This could be filled out using the information from your 1099-SA and 5498-SA.
Keep in mind everyone receives Form 5498 (Form 5498-SA).
But you’ll only receive form 1099 (Form 1099-SA) if you had distributions that year.
If you didn’t reach a maximum contribution limit but want to capitalize the tax savings it’s no problem.
You generally have until the tax filing deadline to make a contribution to your HSA for the previous tax year.
(Graphic of calendar flipping to April 15th)
Another tax tip, make sure you understand the HSA rules where you live. Certain states have special rules regarding HSA’s so it’s a good idea to touch base with a tax adviser to ensure you’re flying your taxes correctly.
And you can always find additional help and resources online at IRS.gov or at Optumbank.com
Save smart, save tax free.
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Health savings accounts (HSAs) are individuals accounts offered or administered by Optum BankÒ, Member FDIC, and are subject to eligibility requirements and restrictions on deposits and withdrawals to avoid IRS penalties. State taxes may apply. Fees may reduce earnings on account. This communication is not intended as legal or tax advice. Federal and state laws and regulations are subject to change.
© 2018 Optum, Inc. All rights reserved. WF298411 76311-072018
Tax time and your HSA
Watch our video to learn more about the tax benefits and what you need to know at tax time.
Q. When will I get my tax forms?
A. IRS Form 1099-SA is typically available at the end of January. It will be posted to your account and mailed, if elected. IRS Form 8889 can be downloaded from IRS.gov at any time.
IRS Form 5498-SA is typically available around the end of January. If you contribute in the new year for the previous tax year, you will also get another 5498-SA form in May.
Q. Why doesn’t my W-2 match the Form 5498-SA?
A. If the contributions on your W-2 don’t match your Form 5498-SA, you likely made after-tax contributions or contributions between January 1 and tax day for the previous tax year.
Q. What do I need to report to the IRS?
A. In addition to the forms noted above, keep track of your spending in case you have to prove you used funds for qualified medical expenses. It’s up to you to keep track of your expenses and report any funds you use for nonqualified medical expenses.
Q. What about nonqualified expenses?
A: It’s up to you to maintain records to verify that funds were used for qualified medical expenses. Funds used for nonqualified expenses will be taxed as income and subject to a 20% penalty. If you mistakenly use your HSA for a nonqualified expense, you can return the funds to your HSA to avoid the penalty. Sign in to your account and download the Withdrawal Correction Form. Optum Bank must receive it by the tax filing deadline.
If you are 65 or older or enrolled in Medicare, you can use your HSA for nonmedical expenses without incurring a tax penalty. Those distributions will be treated like retirement income and will be subject to normal income tax.
Q. What happens if I contribute too much?
A. You are responsible for monitoring the amount deposited into your HSA each calendar year. Keep in mind that if your employer contributes funds, those also count toward the maximum. If you exceed the maximum contribution limit, there is a penalty imposed by the IRS.
If you do make excess contributions, you can prevent being penalized by completing an Excess Contribution and Deposit Correction Request Form to have excess funds returned to you.
Sign in to your account online and click on the Help & Tools menu dropdown and select Forms & Documents. Scroll down to HSA Forms to download the Excess Contribution and Deposit Correction Request Form to request an excess contribution refund or a correction to a contribution.
Q. Where can I find my state tax information?
A. Each state can decide to follow the federal tax guidelines for HSAs or establish its own. State law is subject to change, for up to date information please consult a tax advisor regarding your state’s rules or visit your state’s Department of Revenue office for more information.
Eligible HSA contributions and earnings may be taxed by these states:
Alabama | Iowa | Missouri | Pennsylvania |
Eligible HSA contributions are taxed by these states:
Consult your financial advisor or state department of revenue for more information.
California | New Jersey |
States without state income taxes — eligible HSA contributions are not taxed:
Alaska | Nevada | Tennessee | Washington |
HSA earnings (but not eligible contributions) may be taxed by these states:
Consult your financial advisor or state department of revenue for more information
New Hampshire | Tennessee |
*Savings compares using pre-tax income in your health benefit account (HSA, FSA) to using after tax income for purchases and assumes a 30% combined tax rate from all applicable federal, state, and FICA taxes. Results and amount will vary depending on your circumstances.