HSA vs FSA Calculator
Enter the same contribution amount and tax bracket for both accounts. The side-by-side comparison shows where each account saves more — and highlights the HSA's long-term investment advantage.
Shared Inputs
Key Differences: HSA vs FSA
| Feature | HSA | FSA |
|---|---|---|
| Requires HDHP enrollment | Yes | No |
| 2025 contribution limit (self) | $4,300 | $3,300 |
| Rollover | Unlimited, forever | Up to $660 (employer option) |
| Investment option | Yes (tax-free growth) | No |
| FICA savings via payroll | Yes | Yes |
| State tax deduction | Most states (not CA/NJ) | Most states |
| Post-65 non-medical use | Allowed (taxed as income) | Not applicable |
| Portable if job changes | Yes | No (employer-tied) |
← Back to HSA Calculator | View all HSA limits by year →
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally no. If you are enrolled in a qualifying HDHP and contribute to an HSA, you cannot also contribute to a general-purpose FSA. However, a "Limited-Purpose FSA" (covering only dental and vision expenses) is allowed alongside an HSA.
FSA funds typically follow a "use it or lose it" rule. Employers may optionally allow either a grace period (2.5 months) or a rollover of up to $660 (2025 limit; verify for your plan year) into the following year — but not both. Unused HSA funds roll over indefinitely with no penalty.
If you are healthy and anticipate low medical spending, an HSA offers one feature an FSA does not: you can invest unused HSA funds and let them grow tax-free for decades, effectively turning the HSA into a long-term savings vehicle for healthcare costs. Whether an HSA is right for you also depends on the HDHP premiums and out-of-pocket exposure that come with it, so weigh those against your expected costs. This is general information, not financial advice — see IRS Publication 969.
Your employer does not need to offer an HSA — you can open one directly with an HSA provider (bank, credit union, or brokerage) as long as you are enrolled in a qualifying HDHP. However, employer contributions and payroll deductions require a workplace plan.
For 2025, the IRS health FSA contribution limit is $3,300 per employee (Rev. Proc. 2024-40). Dependent care FSAs have a separate limit of $5,000 per household ($2,500 if married filing separately).