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Level 2
Jul 27, 2022 11:36 PM UTC
Question

Cafeteria Plans

What is the benefit of a cafeteria plan? Is there something special I should do when filing taxes to gain the benefit from these types of pretax health plan contributions? Should I ever not choose the pretax option? I have had these health plans at jobs before and don't really understand if they help my tax situation or not.

    3 replies

    Critter-3
    Level 15
    Jul 27, 2022 11:39 PM UTC

    Of course you should use the CAFE plans if they are available since you save federal, FICA and most times state taxes on the money set aside. 

    Snaz1Author
    Level 2
    Jul 27, 2022 11:57 PM UTC

    Is this an automatic savings or something I need to claim on taxes? When I first had one of these plans I didn't see much difference and started owing a good amount end of year. Since I have a tipped income that changes it may have also been due to fluctuating income just trying to better understand how these plans are beneficial. By saving me money short term do I owe more end of year?

    Critter-3
    Level 15
    Jul 28, 2022 12:11 AM UTC

    AUTOMATIC ... done by the employer thru the payroll system.  Nothing you get later or need to set up or "do".