FSA Funds Expire Soon: Spend Before Year-End
Don't lose your pre-tax FSA dollars—discover eligible expenses, use-it-or-lose-it rules, and smart strategies to maximize savings before December 31.
Use Your Flexible Spending Account Funds by End of the Year
Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) provide a powerful way to save on healthcare costs with pre-tax dollars. However, these funds typically expire at the end of the plan year, often December 31, creating a use-it-or-lose-it scenario that catches many off guard. With year-end approaching, now is the time to review your balance and spend on eligible expenses to maximize your savings.
FSAs allow you to set aside up to $3,200 in 2025 (subject to IRS adjustments) from your paycheck before taxes, reducing your taxable income. But unused funds are forfeited unless your plan offers a grace period or carryover. According to IRS Publication 502, eligible expenses must primarily alleviate or prevent a physical or mental defect or illness. This article covers deadlines, what you can buy, common pitfalls, and strategies to use every dollar.
What Is a Flexible Spending Account?
A flexible spending account (FSA) is an employer-sponsored benefit where employees contribute pre-tax earnings for qualified medical expenses. Unlike health savings accounts (HSAs), which roll over indefinitely with a high-deductible health plan, standard FSAs have an annual use-it-or-lose-it rule. Funds are available immediately via debit card or reimbursement but must be spent by the plan’s deadline.
Key benefits include tax savings: Contributions avoid federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare taxes—potentially saving 20-40% on expenses. For example, $1,000 in FSA spending could save $300+ in taxes. The IRS sets contribution limits annually; for 2025, it’s $3,200 per IRS Notice 2024-75.
FSA Deadlines: Use It or Lose It
Most FSA plan years align with the calendar year, meaning funds expire December 31. Check your plan documents or HR portal for exact dates—some end earlier. Forfeitures are common: Millions in unspent funds are lost annually, per a 2023 DOL report.
- Grace Period: Up to 2.5 months post-year-end to incur expenses (e.g., until March 15).
- Carryover Option: Up to $640 (2025 limit) can roll over if your plan allows; not all do.
- Uniform Coverage Rule: Funds are available from day one up to the total annual contribution, even if not fully funded yet.
Log in to your FSA provider (e.g., WageWorks, FSAFEDS) to view your balance. Procrastination leads to lost money—act now.
What Can You Buy With Your FSA? Eligible Expenses
The IRS lists thousands of eligible items in Publication 502. Post-CARES Act (2020), over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and menstrual products no longer require prescriptions. Shop at FSAstore.com, Amazon (FSA filter), or Walmart for verified items. Here’s a breakdown:
Medical Procedures and Surgeries
FSAs cover a wide range beyond copays, including elective but medically necessary procedures. Always get a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from your doctor for non-obvious items.
- Acupuncture and chiropractic care.
- Birth control (pills, IUD insertion).
- Lasik surgery, reading glasses.
- Physical therapy, fertility treatments.
- Teeth whitening (if medically necessary), braces.
Products and Supplies
Stock up on everyday health items. Sunscreen (SPF 15+), bandages, and thermometers qualify if for medical use.
| Category | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin & Sun Protection | Sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, acne treatments | SPF 15+ required |
| Eye Care | Contacts, solution, drops, glasses | Reading glasses OK |
| Pain & First Aid | Ibuprofen, bandages, motion sickness meds | OTC now eligible |
| Family Planning | Condoms, pregnancy tests, STI kits | No prescription needed |
| Baby & Child | Formula (if medically necessary), baby monitors | LMN may be required |
| Menstrual Products | Tampons, pads, cups, period underwear | CARES Act addition |
| Other | Wigs (for medical hair loss), hearing aids, CPAP masks | Physician recommended |
Services and Transportation
- Telehealth copays, smoking cessation programs.
- Mileage to appointments (21 cents/mile in 2025 per IRS).
- Hospital meals (for patient only), lead paint removal (medical).
- Tutoring for learning disabilities (physician-prescribed).
Surprising FSA-Eligible Items
Some expenses shock users:
- Sunglasses & Sunscreen: UV protection is medical.
- Breast Pumps & Nursing Pads: Full coverage under ACA.
- Genetic Testing: Like 23andMe if doctor-ordered.
- Weight-Loss Programs: Only for specific diseases like obesity (not general fitness).
- Service Animal Costs: Training, food if prescribed.
What You Can’t Buy: Common Mistakes
Not everything health-related qualifies. IRS audits can impose 20% penalties plus taxes on misuse.
- Gym Memberships: Unless prescribed for a condition.
- Cosmetics: Hair transplants, non-medical teeth whitening.
- Toiletries: Toothpaste, shampoo (unless medicated).
- Childcare: Use DCFSA instead (separate account).
- Vitamins/Supplements: Unless prescribed for deficiency.
Consult IRS Publication 502 or FSAFEDS.gov before buying.
Smart Strategies to Spend Your FSA Balance
- Inventory Expenses: List upcoming needs like contacts or sunscreen.
- Prepone Routine Care: Schedule eye exams, dental cleanings.
- Stock Up OTC: Buy a year’s supply of meds, pads.
- Gift Cards: Some plans allow FSA debit for Visa cards (check rules).
- Reimburse Yourself: Pay out-of-pocket first, submit receipts later.
- Contribute Max: If eligible, increase election mid-year if allowed.
For 2026 plans, IRS limits may rise—stay tuned to irs.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens to unused FSA money?
It’s forfeited unless your plan has a grace period (2.5 months) or carryover ($640 max). Check with HR.
Can I use FSA for my spouse or kids?
Yes, for their qualified medical expenses, including dependents up to age 26 on your insurance.
Are OTC meds FSA-eligible?
Yes, since CARES Act—no prescription needed for ibuprofen, allergy meds, etc.
What’s the 2025 FSA limit?
$3,200, per IRS. Limited-purpose FSAs (dental/vision) have separate caps.
How do I submit claims?
Use app/portal for photos of receipts or mail them. Keep records 3+ years for audits.
Can I change my FSA contribution mid-year?
Only during open enrollment or qualifying life events (e.g., marriage, birth).
References
- Publication 502 (2024), Medical and Dental Expenses — Internal Revenue Service. 2024-12-20. https://www.irs.gov/publications/p502
- Notice 2024-75: FSA Contribution Limits — Internal Revenue Service. 2024-11-01. https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-24-75.pdf
- Private Sector FSA Forfeitures Report — U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration. 2023-09-30. https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ebsa/researchers/statistics/retirement-bulletins/private-sector-fsa-forfeitures-1.pdf
- Flexible Spending Accounts Overview — U.S. Department of Treasury, FSAFEDS. 2025-01-10. https://www.fsafeds.gov/support/EligibleExpenses
- CARES Act Changes to FSAs — Kaiser Family Foundation. 2020-04-15. https://www.kff.org/private-insurance/issue-brief/cares-act-provisions-affecting-health-insurance-marketplaces-flexible-spending-accounts-and-other-employer-sponsored-insurance-benefits/
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