⚖️ HSA vs FSA

HSA vs FSA compared side by side: contribution limits, tax savings, rollover, portability, and investing. Enter your coverage type, expected medical spending, and tax rate to see which account saves you more — with the verified 2026 limits of $4,400/$8,750 for HSAs and $3,400 for FSAs.

🇺🇸 Calculating for United States

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Your situation

Coverage type (for the HSA limit)

Your age

Expected annual medical spending

Marginal tax rate (%)

2026 limits verified 2026-07-27 against IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-19

2026 limits verified 2026-07-27 against IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32

HSA

$4,400.00

2026 contribution limit

$1,056.00/yr tax savings at the limit

Health FSA

$3,400.00

2026 election limit

$816.00/yr tax savings at the limit

Feature	HSA	FSA
Who can open one	Requires HDHP enrollment	Any employer that offers it
Funds roll over	Yes — forever, fully yours	Only the IRS carryover; rest forfeited
Portable if you change jobs	Yes	No
Can be invested	Yes — grows tax-free	No
Retirement use	After 65, withdraw for anything (taxed like a 401k)	No
Mid-year contribution changes	Anytime	Only with a qualifying life event
Full election available day 1	No — accrues as contributed	Yes — entire election up front

Rule of thumb: if you qualify for an HSA (HDHP enrollment), it is almost always the stronger account — higher limit, permanent rollover, portability, and tax-free investment growth. Choose the FSA when your employer's health plan is not HDHP-qualified, or use a "limited-purpose FSA" for dental/vision alongside an HSA. You generally cannot contribute to both a standard health FSA and an HSA in the same year.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between an HSA and an FSA?▾

Ownership and rollover. An HSA is your account forever — funds roll over indefinitely, move between jobs, and can be invested. An FSA belongs to your employer's plan: funds beyond the carryover are forfeited each year and stay behind when you leave.

Can I have both an HSA and an FSA?▾

Generally no — a standard health FSA disqualifies you from HSA contributions, even if unspent. The exception is a limited-purpose FSA (dental and vision only), which can pair with an HSA. Dependent care FSAs are separate and always compatible.

Which is better, an HSA or an FSA?▾

If you qualify for an HSA (HDHP enrollment), it wins on nearly every dimension: higher 2026 limit ($4,400/$8,750 vs $3,400), permanent rollover, portability, and tax-free investing. Choose an FSA when your health plan is not HDHP-qualified.

Do HSA and FSA both save on taxes?▾

Yes — both are funded pre-tax and both avoid income and FICA taxes when payroll-deducted, saving your marginal rate on every dollar. Only the HSA adds tax-free investment growth and tax-free withdrawals in retirement for medical costs.

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Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and not financial advice. Consult a licensed financial advisor before making financial decisions.