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Health Savings Accounts #298626

Course Overview

Credit

Amount

CPA

1.5

CFP^®

EA / OTRP

Course Author: HSA Consulting Services LLC. Field of Study (CPA): Taxes Field of Study (CFP): Tax Planning Field of Study (EA/OTRP): Federal Tax Law

Course Description

Course publication/revision date: This course was updated on 1/22/2026.

Study after study indicates health and health care costs as a top concern among adults. At the same time the cost of current and projected health care expenses continue to grow at a pace far exceeding overall inflation. Meanwhile employers are in the midst of transitioning their health insurance benefits to specifically defined, qualified-High Deductible Health Plans (“HDHP’s”). For their part health care enrollees (participants) are often confused about what an HDHP is and what the offerings entail, as many plans feature similar economics (high deductibles, in particular) while not qualifying as HDHPs due to other plan elements. At the highest level, HDHPs feature lower annual premiums in exchange for larger deductibles, essentially adjusting an enrollee’s position along the risk/cost continuum. However, to complement HDHPs the federal government encourages participants to open Health Savings Accounts (“HSAs”) that create meaningful tax and retirement planning opportunities while saving for out-of-pocket health care expenses. Advisors and consultants can add value to their practice through a discussion of health financial planning with their clients, helping them navigate this industry shift and tax-efficiently save for short and long-term health expenses.

This course will examine the health insurance programs, HSA attributes and savings opportunities for taxpayers. It will consider:
• High Deductible Health Plans;
• Health Savings Accounts;
• Qualified Medical Expenses;
• Comparison with other retirement savings programs.

Table of Contents

Internal Revenue Code §223 - Health Savings Accounts1

Introduction	1
Course Learning Objectives	1
Health Insurance – A History and Recent Trends	1
Health Insurance – Health Insurance Plan Types and High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP)	1
Health Savings Account Contribution Limits and Tax Treatment of Contributions	3
Additional Requirements for Contributions	3
Tax Treatment of Health Savings Account Programs	4
Health Savings Account Contributions - Pre-Tax or Otherwise Deductible	5
Health Savings Account - Excess Contributions	5
Health Savings Account Distributions	5
Qualified Health Expenses	6
Taxpayer Administrative Requirements	7
Comparing HSAs to Other Tax-Preferred Health Savings Programs	7
Limited Purpose and Post-Deductible FSA and HRA Plans	12
Health Savings Account Earnings Tax-Deferred - Example	14
Health Savings Account Earnings - Tax-Free Withdrawals on Qualified Health Expenses	15
Health Savings Account Withdrawals for Non-Qualified Expenses	15
Taxable Health Savings Account Distributions	16
Taxable HSA Distributions – Additional Tax Payable	17
Exceptions to Additional Tax Liability	17
Rollovers and Transfers	17
HSA Beneficiary Changes at Death of Account Owner	18
Health Savings Account Tax Forms	18
Summary	19

Review Questions20

Answers to Review Questions21

Glossary23

Course Details

Author: HSA Consulting Services, LLC

Publication/Revision Date: 3/12/2026

Course Exam Questions (online): 10 (multiple-choice)

Program Delivery Method: Self-Study

Available Formats of Course Text: PDF or PDF plus printed copy sent in the mail

Course Level, Prerequisites, and Advance Preparation Requirements

License	Course Level	Prerequisites	Advance Preparation Requirements
CFP®	Overview	None	None
CDFA®	Overview	None	None
EA/OTRP	Overview	None	None

* This program is appropriate for professionals at all organizational levels.

Sponsor ID Numbers

CFP Board Sponsor ID: 1008 — Course ID: 245249

Registered with the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts

IRS Qualified Sponsor ID: FWKKO — Course ID: FWKKO-T-00734-26-S

Learning Objectives

As a result of studying the course material, you should be able to meet the objectives listed below:

Identify the features and tax benefits of Health Savings Accounts available under IRC §223;
Recognize the limits and tax treatment of contributions to HSAs;
Identify the tax treatment of withdrawals for qualified medical expenses in retirement, as well as withdrawals for non-qualified expenses;
Understand taxpayer requirements and savings strategies, including how HSAs compare with other traditional retirement savings accounts;
Recognize the tax treatment of HSAs at death of account owner; and
Apply the federal income tax rules applicable to HSAs.