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HSA vs FSA Contribution Calculator

Compare tax savings and total value of HSA vs FSA contributions, including employer match for HSA.

Results

HSA tax savings
$1,040
FSA tax savings
$1,040
HSA total value (with match)
$4,040
FSA total value
$4,040

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter contribution amount and HSA employer match (if any).
  2. Enter federal, state, and FICA rates.
  3. Review tax savings and total value for HSA vs FSA.

Inputs explained

Contribution
Your planned annual contribution.
HSA employer match
Employer contribution to HSA (if offered).
Rates
Marginal tax rates for federal/state/FICA.

How it works

Tax savings = contribution × (federal + state + FICA). HSA total adds employer match; FSA total is contribution + tax savings.

Formula

Tax savings = Contribution × (Fed + State + FICA)
HSA total value = Contribution + Employer match + Tax savings
FSA total value = Contribution + Tax savings

When to use it

  • Comparing HSA vs FSA for open enrollment decisions.
  • Estimating tax savings for different contribution amounts.
  • Highlighting the impact of an HSA employer match.

Tips & cautions

  • HSA contributions are triple-tax advantaged; FSAs are use-it-or-lose-it—consider your expected medical spend.
  • Adjust rates to reflect your actual marginal brackets and any local taxes.
  • If you won’t use the full FSA, reduce contribution to avoid forfeiture.
  • Simplified flat-rate tax model; actual tax depends on brackets and deductions.
  • Does not model HSA growth/investment or FSA forfeiture risk.
  • FICA treatment can vary for some FSA types; this treats both as pre-tax to all three for simplicity.

Worked examples

$3,000 contrib, $0 match, 22% fed, 5% state, 7.65% FICA

  • Tax savings ≈ $1,043
  • HSA total ≈ $4,043
  • FSA total ≈ $4,043

$2,500 contrib, $500 match, 24% fed, 6% state, 7.65% FICA

  • Tax savings ≈ $932.50
  • HSA total ≈ $3,932.50
  • FSA total ≈ $3,432.50

Deep dive

This HSA vs FSA calculator compares tax savings and total value of contributions, including any HSA employer match, so you can choose the best option for your benefits.

Use it during open enrollment to see how contribution levels affect your tax savings and net value.

FAQs

Does this include investment growth?
No. It focuses on upfront tax savings and match.
FSA forfeiture?
Not modeled; avoid overcontributing to an FSA.
HSA eligibility?
Requires HDHP coverage; verify eligibility separately.
Local taxes?
Add to state rate if you want to approximate them.
Medicare/SS wage caps?
Not modeled; adjust FICA if caps apply.

Related calculators

Simplified comparison. Tax outcomes depend on your brackets, eligibility, and plan rules. Consult benefits/tax professionals for personalized advice.