What "use it or lose it" means
A health flexible spending arrangement (FSA) lets you set aside part of your pay before taxes for medical costs. The catch: money you do not spend by your plan's deadline can be lost. Some plans let you carry over part of it, and some give you a grace period after the year ends instead. This calculator shows how much is left and how much could be lost.
2026 FSA limits from the IRS
| Limit | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Most you can put in through salary reduction | $3,400 |
| Most a plan can let you carry over, if it allows a carryover | $680 |
Source: IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32, section 3.15. Your employer's plan can set lower amounts and decides whether you have a carryover, a grace period or neither.
How the calculator works
- Left to spend = the amount you chose for the year − what has been reimbursed − claims sent but not yet paid.
- Can carry over = the smaller of what is left and your plan's carryover amount (only for carryover plans).
- Could be lost = left to spend − carryover. For a grace period plan, it shows what you still need to spend by the end of the grace period your plan sets.
An example
You chose $2,000 for 2026. $900 has been reimbursed and a $150 claim is pending, so $950 is left. Your plan allows the full $680 carryover, so $680 moves to 2027 and $270 could be lost if you do not use it by December 31.
Before the deadline
- Check your plan's two deadlines: the last day to have the care or buy the item, and the last day to send claims, which is often later.
- Book care you need anyway, such as eye exams, glasses or dental visits.
- Send receipts for costs you already paid.
- When you choose next year's amount, look at what you really spent this year. The 2027 contribution limits page shows next year's limits.
Frequently asked questions
What is the FSA limit for 2026?
$3,400 through salary reduction, according to IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32. Your employer's plan can set a lower limit.
How much can I carry over?
If your plan allows a carryover, up to $680 of unused 2026 money. Your plan can allow less, or offer a grace period instead.
What is a grace period?
Extra time after the plan year ends to use the money. Not every plan has one, and your plan documents say how long it lasts.
Is this the same as a dependent care FSA?
No. A dependent care FSA pays for child or adult care and has different rules: see the dependent care FSA vs credit calculator.
Is my information saved?
No. The numbers stay in your browser and are not sent to us.