HSA Limits, 2026
The 2026 cap is $4,400 self-only / $8,750 family, plus $1,000 catch-up at 55. Employer contributions count against it, most people find out in December. This is your room left, by month.
2026 HDHP gate you must clear to contribute at all: deductible ≥ $1,700 self / $3,400 family; out-of-pocket max ≤ $8,500 / $17,000.
How the math works
- 2026 caps (IRS): $4,400 self-only, $8,750 family. Catch-up adds $1,000 per person who is 55 or older by year end, a family plan with two 55+ spouses caps at $9,750.
- Employer money counts. What your employer puts in, plus your pre-tax payroll deductions, plus any after-tax deposits, all add up against the same cap.
- Tax saving: your own contributions (employee side) come off taxable income, so each $1,000 saves your marginal rate in income tax, plus 7.65% FICA if you contribute through a Section 125 cafeteria plan.
- Month math: room left ÷ months left = the most you can still put in per month without the December surprise.
- Excess tax: contributions over the cap are a 6% excise tax every year they sit in the account. Pull the excess (plus its earnings) before filing to avoid it.
What is the HSA contribution limit for 2026?
$4,400 for self-only coverage and $8,750 for family coverage, plus a $1,000 catch-up if you're 55 or older. Family-plan couples where both are 55+ cap at $9,750.
Do employer HSA contributions count against my limit?
Yes. Employer deposits, your payroll-deduction money, and any personal deposits all count together against the same annual cap. Most overages come from payroll auto-contributions.
What happens if I go over the 2026 HSA limit?
The excess is subject to a 6% excise tax for every year it stays in the account. Withdraw the excess and any earnings on it before you file and the tax goes away.