FSA Use-It-or-Lose-It Calculator
Calculate how much FSA money you risk forfeiting and what you need to spend per month to use it all before your plan year ends. See the tax value at stake and eligible spending ideas.
FSA Use-It-or-Lose-It Formula
The calculator identifies remaining FSA balance, determines how much is at risk of forfeiture after accounting for rollover or grace period provisions, and calculates the tax value of that forfeited amount.
2025 Health FSA limit: $3,300. Dependent Care FSA limit: $5,000 ($2,500 if married filing separately). Grace period adds 2.5 months. Rollover limit for 2025: $660 for Health FSA.
How to Use the FSA Use-It-or-Lose-It Calculator
Select your FSA type
Health FSA covers medical, dental, and vision expenses. Dependent Care FSA covers childcare and adult dependent care.
Enter your annual election
This is the amount you elected to contribute for the plan year from your paycheck.
Enter how much you've already spent
Check your FSA debit card or account portal for the amount used year-to-date.
Enter months elapsed in your plan year
Most plan years run January–December, but some employer plans start on different dates.
Check if your plan has a grace period or rollover
Some plans allow a 2.5-month grace period, while others allow rolling over up to $660. Very few plans offer both.
Real-World Scenario Example
"Employee elected $2,000, spent $500, 6 months elapsed, no grace period, no rollover, 30% combined tax rate."
Inputs
Result
Remaining: $1,500. Amount at risk: $1,500. Must spend $250/month for 6 months. Tax savings at risk: $450.
Important Disclaimer
FSA rules vary by employer plan. Confirm your plan's grace period, rollover, and run-out provisions with your HR department or plan administrator before making spending decisions.
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