FSA Year-End Forfeiture & Carryover Calculator
The 2026 health FSA contribution limit is $3,400, so that is the top of this slider.
Plans may offer a carryover or a grace period, but not both. Your plan document or FSA administrator has the answer.
Most plans end December 31.
For scale: an EBRI analysis of 3.2 million FSAs found roughly half of account holders forfeited money to their employer in 2022, an average of $441. The IRS limit on carryover for plan years beginning in 2026 is $680; your employer may set a lower amount.
Educational estimate, not tax or benefits advice. Rules differ for dependent-care FSAs and for plans that end mid-year. Only your plan document and administrator can confirm what you can keep.
Find out how much of your health FSA balance is at risk when the plan year ends, whether your plan offers a $680 carryover or a grace period, and how many days you have to spend it.
How it works
- Slide to the dollars you still have in your health FSA
- Choose whether your plan offers a carryover, a grace period, or neither
- See the amount at risk, the days left, and the weekly spending pace to use it in time
Frequently asked questions
What is the 2026 FSA carryover limit?
For plan years beginning in 2026, a plan may let you carry over up to $680 of unused health FSA money into the next year (IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32). Your employer may choose a lower amount, or no carryover at all.
Is a grace period the same as a carryover?
No. A grace period gives extra time, up to 2.5 months after the plan year ends (March 15 for a calendar-year plan), to spend the old balance. A plan can offer a carryover or a grace period, but not both.
How common is forfeiting FSA money?
An Employee Benefit Research Institute analysis of 3.2 million accounts found roughly half of account holders forfeited money to their employer in 2022, an average of $441. Later EBRI figures for 2023 showed 47% forfeiting an average of $422.
Does this work for dependent care FSAs?
No. The rules differ for dependent-care FSAs. Check your plan document or administrator for yours.
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Update history
- 2026-10-02 Launched: see how much health FSA money is at risk at plan-year end, with $680 carryover and grace-period handling plus a spending pace.