health savings accounts

HSA Contribution Limits Increase for 2025, Offering Expanded Tax Advantages

WASHINGTON – August 9, 2025 – The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) today announced increased contribution limits for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for the 2025 tax year, providing individuals and families with greater opportunities to save for healthcare expenses with significant tax benefits. The changes, detailed in Revenue Procedure 2024-34, come as healthcare costs continue to rise, making HSAs an increasingly valuable financial tool.

Understanding Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

HSAs are tax-advantaged savings accounts available to individuals enrolled in high-deductible health plans (HDHPs). Thay offer a unique combination of benefits, making them a powerful tool for managing healthcare costs and building long-term financial security.

The core benefit of an HSA lies in its triple tax advantage:

◾Contributions are either pretax through a payroll deduction (reducing taxable income) or tax-deductible, lowering your overall federal tax liability. This reduction in taxable income can also qualify individuals for additional deductions, credits, or benefit programs.

◾Any interest or investment earnings within the HSA grow tax-free. This allows savings to accumulate without being subject to annual taxation.

◾Withdrawals are tax-free when used to pay for qualified medical expenses, as defined by the IRS in Publication 502. These expenses include doctor visits, prescriptions, dental care, vision care, and more.

Beyond these core benefits, HSAs offer several other advantages:

◾No “Use-It-Or-Loose-It” rule: Unlike Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), HSA funds roll over year after year, providing flexibility and long-term savings potential.

◾Investment Opportunities: HSA funds can be invested in a variety of assets, such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, allowing for potential growth over time. Major financial institutions like fidelity, Vanguard, and Charles Schwab offer HSA investment options.

◾Retirement Savings Vehicle: After age 65, HSA funds can be withdrawn for any reason without penalty, although non-medical withdrawals will be subject to income tax, similar to a traditional IRA.

◾Employer Contributions: Many employers offer to contribute to their employees’ HSAs, often as an incentive to enroll in a high-deductible health plan.According to a 2024 study by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI), approximately 29% of employers with 500 or more employees offer an HSA contribution.