I got a new job in 2019 and now have an HDHP and HSA. I was on my parents' HDHP in 2018. Can I make my full $3,450 HSA contribution for 2018 and reduce my tax liability?

[gjbentley]

My HDHP and HSA were set up through my new employer, and I started work in February 2019. I was fully covered by my parents' HDHP for all months of 2018, so am wondering if I can contribute my max $3,450 for 2018 to my HSA before the April 17th (I am in MA which gets an extension) deadline

[BMcCalpin]

Were you able to be claimed as a dependent in 2018? It does not matter if you actually were, but only that you were able to be claimed as a dependent.

If so, then you could not make HSA contributions in 2018, because dependents are not eligible to do so, regardless of their HDHP coverage.

[gjbentley]

I know for certain nobody claimed me as their dependent. I was employed for all of 2018, am fully self sufficient, support myself, and the above was true in 2017 also, which I filed my own taxes for. I would surmise this means I could not be claimed as a dependent, yes?

[BMcCalpin]

Yep, you could not be a dependent because you fail the test "The child must not have provided more than half of his or her own support for the year."

In this case, yes, you can open your own HSA for 2018 (oh, never mind, you already did) and contribute the limit to it.

Just be sure that the HSA custodian understands that your contribution is for 2018 (by default, they will apply it to 2019).

[gjbentley]

Thanks so much for helping!