Catalyst
Get the PlaybookWhat Your Savings Actually Buys
Here's what $2,340 in annual savings looks like
Your HSA deduction doesn't just reduce your tax bill — it frees up real dollars for the business expenses that keep getting pushed back.
📊
QuickBooks Online
Business accounting software
3 months free
🦷
Full Dental Work
Two cleanings + one crown
Covered entirely
☕
Commercial Espresso Machine
La Marzocco Linea Mini
For the bakery
🖥️
New MacBook Pro
14" M4 for the studio
Nearly covered
📦
Business Insurance
General liability, full year
1 year covered
🧑💼
Part-time Contractor
20 hours of help
At $30/hr
The average self-employed business owner leaves $3,850 unclaimed per year
That's not a projection — that's the IRS maximum contribution for a self-only HDHP plan in 2026, tax-free, sitting unused. The calculator above shows your specific number.
2026 IRS Contribution Limits
How much can you actually put in?
The IRS sets annual limits on HSA contributions. Here's exactly where the ceiling is — and how close most business owners come to hitting it.
Self-Only HDHP Coverage
Single plan, no dependents
$4,3002026 Maximum
$0$4,300
Family HDHP Coverage
Includes spouse and/or dependents
$8,5502026 Maximum
$0$8,550
Catch-Up Contribution (55+)
Additional annual allowance if you're 55 or older
$1,000Add-On
$0$1,000
HDHP Minimum Deductible (Single)
Your plan must meet this threshold to qualify
$1,650Qualification Threshold
$0$8,550
HDHP Out-of-Pocket Max (Single)
Maximum you pay before insurance covers 100%
$8,300Plan Cap
$0$8,550
Your health plan must be HDHP-qualified
To contribute to an HSA, your health insurance plan must meet IRS minimum deductible thresholds. In 2026, that's $1,650 for self-only coverage. Most marketplace plans marketed as "HSA-compatible" already qualify — check your Summary of Benefits.
IRS-Qualified Expense Directory
What can you actually pay with your HSA?
Search over 60 qualified medical expenses. Everything below can be paid tax-free from your HSA — no receipts to file, no forms to submit.
58 qualified expenses found
All IRS-approved · Publication 502
Annual physicalsBlood testsVaccinationsPreventive screeningsWell-woman visitsColonoscopyMammogramsBlood pressure monitoringDental cleaningsFillingsCrownsRoot canalsTooth extractionsOrthodonticsDenturesGum disease treatmentEye examsPrescription glassesContact lensesContact lens solutionLASIK surgeryCataract surgeryReading glassesTherapy / counselingPsychiatric visitsSubstance abuse treatmentSmoking cessation programsStress management programsPrescription medicationsInsulinAllergy medicationPain relievers (OTC)Cold & flu medicineAntacidsFirst aid suppliesBandagesDermatologistCardiologistOrthopedistPhysical therapyOccupational therapySpeech therapyChiropractic careAcupunctureFertility treatmentsPrenatal careChildbirthBreast pumpsBirth control (Rx)VasectomyTubal ligationCrutchesWheelchairsCPAP machinesHearing aidsBlood glucose monitorsNebulizersCompression stockings
Not covered: cosmetic procedures, gym memberships, vitamins (unless prescribed), teeth whitening, or insurance premiums (with limited exceptions for COBRA and Medicare). When in doubt, consult IRS Publication 502.
HSA Investment Growth Model
Your HSA can grow like a retirement account
Unused HSA funds roll over every year and can be invested in index funds. Drag the sliders to model your own growth scenario.
$4,300
$500$8,550
20 years
5 yrs35 yrs
7%
3%12%
$1,88,620
Projected Balance
$86,000
Total Contributed
2.2×
Growth Multiple
Projected balance
Total contributions
Tax-free contributions
Deposits reduce your taxable income dollar-for-dollar
Tax-free growth
Investment gains inside the HSA are never taxed
Tax-free withdrawals
Spend on qualified expenses with zero tax impact
Free Download · No Credit Card
The HSA Playbook for
Business Owners
32 pages covering contribution strategy, qualified expense tracking, investment allocation, and year-end tax documentation — written specifically for the self-employed.
What's inside
Contribution timing strategy (monthly vs. lump sum)
HDHP plan selection worksheet
Qualified expense cheat sheet (printable)
Investment allocation guide for HSA funds
Year-end tax documentation checklist
HSA vs. FSA comparison for business owners
Rollover and estate planning basics
Penalty-free withdrawal rules after 65
Already know the basics? Talk to an advisor about your specific situation.
Get My Custom HSA Strategy