Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSA)Beginning in 2013 medical expenses must be over 10% of taxpayer’s income to be deductible, therefore, most taxpayer’s (thankfully) cannot take advantage of this deduction.

Therefore making any expense a pre-tax item is generally to the taxpayer’s advantage.

FSA’s are a method an employee can exclude a portion of their income from wages. The amount excluded is saved for future medical costs – on a pre-tax basis.

The amount excluded is held by the employer (or trustee). Once the employee incurs the medical costs, she provides documentation to the employer, and requests reimbursement. The employer reimburses the employee with no taxes withheld.

If a company adopts a FSA, employees are allowed to contribute to the plan, but the contribution rate established by the employee must remain in effect the entire year, and can be changed for the following year.

Sole Proprietors and Partners (more than 2%) in a partnership are not allowed to participate in an FSA. Their employees can participate.

Benefits
The benefits to the employee:The employee does not pay Federal, State, or City income tax on the amount contributed to the FSA.

The employee does not pay Social Security Tax on the amount contributed to the FSA.

If the employee terminates employment, they still have until 75 days after year end to spend the Medical benefits related to the amounts contributed to the FSA prior to their termination.

The benefits to the employer:
The employer does not pay Social Security Tax on the amount the employee contributed to the FSA.

The disadvantage to the employee:
The employee must incur medical expenses equal to the amounts deducted from his paycheck within 75 days of year end. Any amount not used for medical costs – is forfeited.

Beginning in 2013, if the employee’s company adapts a carryover policy, employees are allowed to carryover up to $500 each year.

Example:
Mary, a single employee, Kansas City resident, with no dependents, makes $30,000. Last year she incurred $1,100 in out of pocket medical expenses. She decides to contribute $1,000 to a FSA.

A comparison of pay is:

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