What is the maximum 2018 contribution to an HSA account for an individual if the employer also makes a contribution? What amount can be deducted on the 2018 tax return?

[ell14]

For example, if the maximum deduction is $3,450 plus $1,000 catch-up if over 55 and the employer contributes $450, is the individual’s maximum contribution $4,000 or $4,450?  Is the employer’s contribution deductible for the individual?  If the individual contributes $4,000 and the employer $450, can the individual deduct $4,450 on their tax return?

[PaulaM]

The maximum HSA contribution for 2018 for self-only is $3,450. Catch up of $1,000 for those 55+. This is the total for employee and employer contributions. 

So if you employer is contributing $450, then the most that you can contribute in 2018 is $3,450 - $450, or $3,000 ($4,000 including the catch up).

If you are contributing to the HSA via your employer through payroll deductions, then the monies are already pre-tax. This means you will only enter your W-2 information with the HSA box 12 code of W. You won't enter anywhere else on your tax return. You wages have been reduced for the contribution amounts and you are not paying taxes on the amount.

If your contributions are made after-tax and not through your employer, then deduct your contributions in the Medical section. You can not deduct the employer's portion, but it is tax free to you. The employer's portion is excluded from your income and is not taxed (federal, social security and medicare).

[edited 2/15/18| 6:02 pm pst]

[ell14]

If the contribution is by check rather than through payroll deductions, how is this reported?

[PaulaM]

Do you mean that you and your employer contributions are contributed after tax? Your employer gives you a check and you send the money to the HSA custodian?

[ell14]

The employer contribution was made directly to the HSA account.  The employee contribution was made by check to the HSA account not through payroll deduction.

[PaulaM]

Then yes, you would deduct your after tax contributions ($4,000 in our example above) in the Medical section. You can't deduct the employer portion, but it is tax free to you. The employer's portion is excluded from your income and is not taxed (federal, social security and medicare).