dependent care fsa

The Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) can help you save money by allowing you to pay for dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis.

who's eligible

  • All regular, full-time, non-union hourly or salaried employees regularly scheduled to work at least 30 hours per week.
  • Union-represented employees if provided for in the collective bargaining agreement.

how the fsa works

Here’s a high-level overview of the 2016 Dependent Care FSA, administered by PayFlex. For details, review the FSA summary plan description.

Plan Features

Eligible Expenses

Use the money in your account to reimburse yourself on a pre-tax basis for day care for a dependent child under age 13 or other dependent (such as an elderly parent) who is physically or mentally incapable of self support. Learn more about eligible dependent care expenses.

Employee Annual Contributions

Generally you can contribute up to $5,000 per year; $2,500 if married, filing separately.

Tax Savings

Contributions are pre-tax and qualified reimbursements are tax-free.

Reimbursements

Each year, you have until March 31 to submit claims for dependent care expenses incurred during the previous calendar year. You can submit a claim whenever you have a reimbursable expense by logging on to the PayFlex website. Forms are also available from the PayFlex Resource Center.

You’ll be reimbursed up to the amount currently in your account. If you submit a claim for more than your current account balance, you’ll be reimbursed when additional funds are available in your account.

Tax Savings

Contributions are pre-tax and qualified withdrawals are tax-free.

Forfeit of Funds

According to the IRS, money left over after all eligible expenses have been reimbursed cannot be returned to you. You will forfeit any unused balance.

 

related sites

PayFlex  »

forms/docs

PayFlex Resource Center  »

dig deeper

Flexible Spending SPD  »

Eligible Expenses  »