How to use the HSA calculator
- Enter your numbers. Fill in HDHP coverage, age 55 or older?, your yearly contribution, employer contribution, federal tax bracket, state tax rate, contributed through payroll?.
- Enter growth details. Fill in years invested, investment return, medical spending from HSA / yr.
- Read your results. Results update instantly. The headline shows the tax savings this year; the breakdown below show the details.
2026 HSA limits
- Self-only coverage: $4,400
- Family coverage: $8,750
- Catch-up (55+): an extra $1,000
The limit includes employer contributions. You must be covered by an HSA-eligible high-deductible health plan and not enrolled in Medicare.
The triple tax advantage
- Contributions are pre-tax (or deductible).
- Investment growth isn’t taxed.
- Withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free.
Payroll contributions also avoid Social Security and Medicare tax. California and New Jersey don’t follow the federal treatment, so set the state rate to 0 there.
HSA as a retirement account
After 65, you can withdraw for any reason, paying only income tax (like a traditional IRA) if not used for medical costs. Many people pay current medical bills out of pocket, keep receipts, and let the HSA grow.
Worked example
With these inputs (main ones shown): HDHP coverage Self-only; age 55 or older? No; your yearly contribution $4,400; federal tax bracket 22%; state tax rate 5%; contributed through payroll? Yes (saves FICA too); years invested 20; investment return 6%.
The calculator gives a tax savings this year of $1,525 (on $4,400 of contributions). Other results: 2026 contribution limit $4,400, room left after employer money $4,400, projected balance in 20 years $130,912, contribution used $4,400.
What your results mean
Tax savings is how much less tax you pay this year because of your HSA contribution. The projected balance shows growth if you invest and spend only what you entered on medical costs.
Tips
- Contribute through payroll to save FICA tax too.
- Invest the balance beyond what you need for near-term medical costs.
- Keep receipts; you can reimburse yourself years later.
Frequently asked questions
What are the HSA contribution limits for 2026?
$4,400 for self-only and $8,750 for family coverage, plus $1,000 if 55 or older.
How much tax does an HSA save?
A $4,400 payroll contribution in the 22% bracket with 5% state tax saves about $1,525.
What is an HSA-eligible plan in 2026?
A high-deductible health plan with a minimum deductible of $1,700 self-only or $3,400 family, and an out-of-pocket maximum no higher than $8,500 / $17,000.
Does HSA money expire?
No. Unlike an FSA, the balance rolls over every year and stays with you if you change jobs.
What happens if I use HSA money for non-medical costs?
Before 65, it’s taxed plus a 20% penalty. After 65, it’s just taxed as income.
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