The 2026 HSA cap depends on HDHP coverage, not on how many people you claim as dependents on the 1040. IRS Publication 969 sets $4,400 for self-only and $8,750 for family. Age 55 or older adds $1,000.
The early-year family leftover is already written: $2,400 YTD → $6,350 left. The late-year leftover: $6,000 YTD → $2,750 left. Self-only leftover at a smaller YTD: $1,800 → $2,600. This page is the mid-year family leftover: $4,000 already in.
- Family, under 55: room $4,750
- Family, age 55+: room $5,750
- Self-only, under 55: room $400
Run the HSA contribution calculator →
Hub: United States calculators.
You generally need a high-deductible health plan to contribute. Employer deposits plus your own deposits share one cap. This is not a cafeteria health FSA and not a dependent-care FSA. Estimate, not tax advice.
Direct answer: family $8,750. $4,000 → $4,750
- Family 2026 limit = $8,750
- Room = $8,750 − $4,000 = $4,750
- Family + age 55 = $9,750. Room after $4,000 = $5,750
- Same $4,000 on self-only = $4,400 − $4,000 = $400 left
limit = $4,400 self-only or $8,750 family, plus $1,000 if 55+
remaining = max(0, limit − YTD including employer deposits)
Family vs self-only on the same $4,000 YTD
| Coverage | Age 55+ | Limit | Room after $4,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family | No | $8,750 | $4,750 |
| Family | Yes | $9,750 | $5,750 |
| Self-only | No | $4,400 | $400 |
| Self-only | Yes | $5,400 | $1,400 |
The age-55 add-on on an empty self-only account is a different leftover: HSA catch-up at 55.
What this is not
- The $2,400 or $6,000 YTD leftovers. Those still have $6,350 and $2,750 on family. This page starts at $4,000.
- A December clock. Family coverage that starts December 1 can still unlock the family cap under the last-month rule. HSA last-month vs FSA year-end.
- Dependent-care FSA. IRC 129 leftover after the same YTD: $4,000 already in leaves $1,000.
- Payroll tax math. An HSA through payroll can cut FIT and FICA. That is the paycheck calculator, other-pre-tax field.
Yes, if YTD including employer deposits is $4,000 and you are under 55. Confirm HDHP eligibility in Pub. 969.
Yes. Employer + employee share the same $8,750. The $4,000 already in is the combined figure.
Self-only cap is $4,400. $4,000 leaves $400, not $4,750. Confirm the coverage on the insurance card, not the 1040.