There are a number of different accounts you can put money into that come with built-in tax breaks. And it pays to maximize those accounts when possible.
Traditional IRAs and 401(k) plans, for example, give you a tax break on your contributions. Roth IRAs and 401(k)s give you tax-free investment gains, as well as tax-free withdrawals.
Image source: Getty Images.
The nice thing about HSAs is that they combine all of those benefits into a single account you can fund for medical spending. With an HSA:
- Contributions are tax-free.
- Investments gains are tax-free.
- Withdrawals are tax-free as long as the money is used to cover qualifying healthcare expenses.
If you're in the habit of saving in an HSA, it's important to make the most of that account. With that in mind, here are three HSA mistakes to avoid in the new year
1. Not contributing the maximum amount if you can
Just as IRA and 401(k) limits can increase from one year to the next, so too are HSA contribution limits eligible for a boost. In 2026, they're increasing, and it pays to max out if you can afford to for the tax breaks mentioned.
If you're under age 55, the maximum amount you can put into an HSA in 2026 is:
- $4,400 for self-only coverage
- $8,750 for family coverage
If you're 55 or older, you get a $1,000 catch-up to add to the limit that applies to you. And remember, you're eligible for that catch-up as long as you turn 55 by Dec. 31.
2. Treating your HSA like a regular spending account
One nice thing about HSAs is that you can take withdrawals whenever you want to cover qualifying medical expenses. That means you can take money from your HSA shortly after putting it in, or carry your balance forward for decades if you so choose.
You may be tempted to dip into your HSA regularly to cover your medical expenses as they pop up. And that's understandable. But if you're able to pay your medical bills from your salary, you're better off doing that rather than treating your HSA like a regular spending account.
Remember, a big perk of HSAs is that these accounts let you invest your balance and grow it tax-free. So the longer your HSA funds go untouched, the more tax-free gains you get to enjoy.
3. Assuming you're eligible because you were in the past
One drawback of HSAs is that in order to participate, your health plan has to conform to certain rules that can change from one year to the next. Just because you were eligible for an HSA before doesn't mean you'll be eligible in 2026. It's important to check your health insurance plan's details to confirm before making contributions.
In 2026, your health insurance plan is HSA-compatible if:
- It has a minimum deductible of $1,700 for self-only coverage, or $3,400 for family coverage.
- It has an out-of-pocket maximum of $8,500 for self-only coverage, or $17,000 for family coverage.
Another thing to keep in mind is that once you enroll in Medicare, you're automatically barred from funding an HSA. However, rest assured that if you have an HSA balance to spend, you can use it as a Medicare enrollee to cover out-of-pocket costs like co-pays and deductibles.
Funding an HSA when you're not eligible could result in a costly tax penalty for you. So it's important to make sure you're allowed to contribute before putting money in.
The more strategic you are with your HSA, the better that account can serve your financial needs. Take care to avoid these mistakes in 2026, and keep reading up on HSA rules so you're not led down the wrong path.
