FICA Tax Implications
If you contribute to your HSA through a payroll deduction, the money is excluded from both income taxes and FICA taxes. For example, if you contribute $1,000 through payroll deductions, you won't have FICA taxes withheld on that $1,000 and your W-2 will show $1,000 less income.
In contrast, if you make a contribution on your own, your W-2 will show that $1,000 of income but you get to claim the contribution as an income tax deduction. However, it doesn't reduce the amount of FICA taxes you owe.
