Question 1

What are the 2026 HSA contribution limits?

Accepted Answer

For 2026, the IRS limit is $4,400 for self-only HDHP coverage and $8,750 for family coverage (Revenue Procedure 2025-19), up from $4,300 and $8,550 in 2025. Anyone 55 or older who isn’t enrolled in Medicare can add a $1,000 catch-up contribution on top of whichever base limit applies. If you and your spouse are both 55+ with family coverage, each of you needs your own HSA to claim your own catch-up — it can’t be combined into one account.

Question 2

Does the limit include what my employer contributes?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the IRS limit is a combined total across every source: your own payroll deferrals or direct contributions, employer contributions, and anything a family member contributes on your behalf. If your employer puts in $1,000 toward a $4,400 self-only limit, you can only contribute $3,400 yourself before hitting the cap (plus any catch-up you’re eligible for).

Question 3

What happens if I contribute more than the limit?

Accepted Answer

Excess HSA contributions are subject to a 6% excise tax for every year they remain in the account uncorrected. You can avoid the penalty by withdrawing the excess amount — plus any earnings it generated — before your tax filing deadline. This calculator flags an over-limit scenario and shows the excess amount so you can catch it before it becomes a tax problem.

Question 4

How is the estimated tax savings calculated?

Accepted Answer

HSA contributions you make yourself (not your employer’s portion, which was never taxed as income to begin with) reduce your taxable income dollar-for-dollar, the same way a traditional 401(k) or IRA contribution does. This calculator multiplies your eligible employee contribution by the marginal tax rate you enter to estimate the income tax saved — enter your combined federal and state marginal rate for a more complete picture, since not every state gives HSA contributions the same treatment.

Question 5

Do I need a specific health plan to contribute to an HSA?

Accepted Answer

Yes — you must be enrolled in a qualifying High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with no other disqualifying coverage. For 2026, that means a minimum deductible of $1,700 (self-only) or $3,400 (family), and you generally can't also have a general-purpose health FSA or other non-HDHP coverage. Check your plan's Summary of Benefits or ask your HR department to confirm HSA eligibility before contributing.

HSA Contribution Calculator

Base limit + catch-up, minus what's already committed

Common questions