HSA Catch-Up Contribution

[TedCar]

I am married filing jointly; spouse and I are both over 55. For 2024, spouse and I were both covered by my family HDHP from 1/1 to 6/30. (I am self-employed and am the subscriber on this plan.) I have an HSA, but spouse did not from 1/1 to 6/30. Then, spouse got a job and, effective 7/1, we are now both covered under an HDHP available through spouse’s employment. Spouse also got an HSA through employer as of 7/1. We canceled my original HDHP effective 6/30, but I still have my separate HSA. Assuming we continue to be covered on spouse’s HDHP for the rest of the year, and ignoring the last-month rule, can we each make $1000 in catch-up contributions to our own HSAs for 2024? My understanding is that we would both have been “eligible individuals” for the entire year, even though we were covered by two different HDHPs for the first, then second, halves of the year, but my spouse didn’t open an HSA until 7/1. 

[dmertz]

"My understanding is that we would both have been “eligible individuals” for the entire year"

Correct.  For 2024 you each are permitted make the $1,000 catch-up contribution to your respective HSAs.  The regular annual HSA contribution limit of $8,300 for having family HDHP coverage must be split between the two of you.

[TedCar]

Thanks! So if you're 55 or older and covered by an HDHP for the entire year, you can make the entire $1000 catch-up contribution, even if you wait until later in the year to open your HSA. Nice to be able to make $2000 total in catch-ups!

[manotx]

I contributed $5150 in 2024 to HSA (4150+1000 catchup contribution, since I am over 55); where does the $1000 go to avoid excess contribution?

[dmertz]

You only enter the total contributed. the catchup contribution is not entered separately.  To make a catchup contribution for 2024 you are required to have reached age 55 by the end of 2024.