Cafeteria Plans

[Snaz1]

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.

[Critter-3]

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. 

[Snaz1]

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]

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