HSA or FSA: which actually keeps more of your money?

Enter your numbers once. See the real after-tax difference for 2026, including the forfeiture risk an FSA carries that an HSA doesn't.

Your numbers

Coverage type

Sets your 2026 HSA contribution ceiling.

Expected annual medical expenses ($)

Employer contribution to your account ($)

Marginal federal tax rate

State income tax rate

Enter 0 if your state has no income tax.

I contribute through payroll deduction (also saves 7.65% FICA tax)

How sure are you of that expense estimate?

Estimated 2026 outcome

HSA

Your contribution—

Income tax saved—

FICA saved (if payroll)—

Net tax savings—

Unused funds roll over forever. Nothing here expires.

FSA

Your contribution—

Income tax saved—

FICA saved (if payroll)—

Gross tax savings—

2026 contribution limits

Account	Self-only	Family
HSA	$4,400	$8,750
Health FSA	$3,400
Dependent care FSA	$7,500 per household

HSA figures add a $1,000 catch-up contribution if you're 55 or older. FSA plans that allow rollover can carry over up to $680 into the next year — anything above that is forfeited if unspent.

Why the same tax bracket produces different results

Both accounts reduce your taxable income by the same rate. The difference isn't the tax math, it's what happens to money you don't spend. An HSA keeps it, indefinitely, even if you change jobs or health plans. An FSA is your employer's money again the moment the plan year ends, past whatever small rollover your plan allows.

When an FSA still wins

If you don't have a high-deductible health plan, you're not eligible for an HSA at all, and the FSA is your only pre-tax option. FSAs also allow full-year advance access to your full annual election on day one, which matters if you need a large expense covered early in the year before you've contributed that much yet. HSAs only hold what's actually been deposited so far.

What this tool doesn't account for

This estimates federal income tax, a flat state rate you enter, and FICA if contributed by payroll. It doesn't model itemized deductions, AMT, phase-outs at high income, or state-specific HSA tax treatment (a few states tax HSA contributions or earnings even though the federal government doesn't). Treat this as a planning estimate, not tax advice.