FSA vs HSA Calculator (2026)
Both save you your tax rate on health spending — but only one lets unspent money roll over and grow for decades. Compare the 2026 FSA and HSA limits side by side.
How to use this calculator
- Enter coverage.
- Enter age.
- Enter your marginal tax rate.
- Your results appear instantly below and update as you change the numbers.
How this calculator works
The health FSA lets you set aside up to $3,400 pre-tax in 2026 but is use-it-or-lose-it (a plan may allow a $680 carryover). The HSA allows $4,400 (self) or $8,750 (family), plus $1,000 catch-up at 55+, and money rolls over forever and can be invested. Worked example: a family at 24% saves $2,100 a year just on the HSA contribution — and every dollar grows tax-free until a medical need.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have both an FSA and an HSA?
Yes, with limits — you cannot use a general-purpose FSA (which would reimburse pre-deductible costs) with an HSA, but a limited-purpose FSA (dental and vision only) is allowed alongside an HSA. Many HDHP plans pair the two on purpose.
What happens to unused FSA money?
The default is forfeiture, but plans can offer a $680 carryover into the next year or a 2½-month grace period to spend down the balance. The HSA has no such limit — unspent funds roll over indefinitely and are yours even if you switch jobs or plans.
Is the HSA really tax-free three times?
Yes — contributions are pre-tax, growth is tax-deferred, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free. After 65 you can also withdraw for any reason without penalty (taxable like a traditional IRA). No other account has that triple structure — it is the only one.
What if I don't have an HSA-eligible plan?
Then the FSA is your option — and it still saves you your marginal rate on up to $3,400. The trade-off is the use-it-or-lose-it rule: budget conservatively, because overfunding by even $500 means gifting $120+ to the plan at a 24% rate.
Disclaimer: Results are estimates for general information only and do not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Figures reflect 2026 rules and may change. Always confirm current limits and consult a qualified professional before making decisions. Official figures: IRS.gov · 2026 limits per IRS tax inflation adjustments.