Can someone explain the tax benefits of an HSA to me like I’m five? Everyone seems to be on the same page with these and as a accountant I’m embarrassed I don’t get it

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You contribute to the account pre-tax, it’s able to grow when you invest it, and you can take it out tax free if you use it for eligible medical expenses. So it completely avoids taxes

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Oh goodness.. health savings account

All of the above is true but it also can be used as a retirement account when you turn 65 (eg no longer required to use for just medical expenses). I treat mine as another retirement account. Max out annually and invest it all.

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What's interesting about this is if you pay out of pocket for your medical expenses and you keep records of it. You can then withdraw that amount tax free like a roth IRA

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Contributions are tax free, gains on investments are tax free, and distributions are tax free as long as they’re on qualified medical expenses.

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Not subject to FICA tax or fed income tax when deducted from pay (pretax contributions). Grows tax free and is tax free when you withdraw. No other tax savings vehicle is nontaxable at contribution AND withdrawal. You can save now and allow to grow tax free and then withdraw later for qualified expenses you pay today out of pocket. Say you have $250 qualified medical expense today, you could withdraw from HSA today or let that $250 sit in there and grow for 20 years and then take the $250 out.

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Good point EY1. Employer gets to deduct the contribution as an expense but the employer portion also grows tax free and is nontaxable at withdrawal.

Also check out the personal finance bowl! Lots of helpful information in there on financial planning and retirement.

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It does require a high deductible plan, but as soon as you have that deductible saved in your HSA, you’re golden. Do an annual assessment. Sometimes HDHPs save you money if you have very high medical needs and if you hit the middle of the road you can always opt for another plan without losing the HSA account (just can’t make more contributions). I’m in my 40s and use as a retirement account thanks to good health for my family and I.

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It’s a 401k that can be used to pay for medical stuff using a debit card without having a tax penalty.

For any money put in the HSA you get to spend all the money you earned without giving part to your greedy Uncle Sam.

Contribute the max every year and never take a distribution. You’ll grow rich.

Can I buy cryptocurrency with an HSA?

I would think it depends on your HSA provider. PwC is limited to investments that are non restricted for all employees.

smart

How long til politicians vote to tax HSA withdrawals

Never say never. As far back as Clinton, they have thought about a one time tax on 401ks and IRAs but they also realize that would destroy there future chances in office. They think your untaxed money is a gift from the government so it’s not out of the realm of possibility they will decide to take some or all of it.

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