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Level 1
posted Apr 17, 2021 9:50:30 AM

Entering W2 Box W - Employer contributions to Health Savings Account is generating taxable income

I've already entered business income (from my rentals and my wife's consulting) and am now entering my W2 information in the Personal section.  When I enter the information for box "W - Employer contributions to Health Savings Account" from my employer provided W2 ($2,139.65), it's causing my Federal Refund to go down.  Why is this happening?  I have  a high deductible health care plan, and my understanding is that contributions to my HSA (which I technically made, not my employer, even though the box is labeled as such), are pre-tax and not taxable.  Shouldn't my Federal Refund go UP, not down?

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3 Replies
Expert Alumni
Apr 17, 2021 10:03:13 AM

It sounds like the Health Savings Account section needs to be revisited. Perhaps qualifying medical expenses were not entered. To return to this section, follow these steps:

  • For Form 8889:
    • ​​​​​​​In the search box, enter HSA and select the Jump to link in the search results. 
    • Verify the amounts listed by running through the interview.
    • Select Done.

 

See the articles below for how to enter these details in your program:

What is a health savings account (HSA)?

Where do I enter my 1099-SA?

What is Form 8889?

Level 1
Apr 17, 2021 10:28:22 AM

Kathryn - thank you.  It looks like it removes the HSA contribution from taxable income (my Federal Refund goes back up) once I go through the HSA section.  

Expert Alumni
Apr 19, 2021 1:06:20 PM

You're welcome! We are happy to help any time!