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. Self-only room at a smaller YTD: $1,200 → $3,200. This page is the late-year family leftover: $6,000 already in.
- Family, under 55: room $2,750
- Family, age 55+: room $3,750
- Self-only, under 55: $0 left ($1,600 over)
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. $6,000 → $2,750
- Family 2026 limit = $8,750
- Room = $8,750 − $6,000 = $2,750
- Family + age 55 = $9,750. Room after $6,000 = $3,750
- Same $6,000 on self-only = $4,400 − $6,000 → $1,600 over
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 $6,000 YTD
| Coverage | Age 55+ | Limit | Room after $6,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family | No | $8,750 | $2,750 |
| Family | Yes | $9,750 | $3,750 |
| Self-only | No | $4,400 | $0 ($1,600 over) |
| Self-only | Yes | $5,400 | $0 ($600 over) |
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 YTD leftover. That still has $6,350 on family. This page starts at $6,000.
- 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 a bigger YTD: $3,750 already in leaves $1,250.
- 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 $6,000 and you are under 55. Confirm HDHP eligibility in Pub. 969.
Yes. Employer + employee share the same $8,750. The $6,000 already in is the combined figure.
Self-only cap is $4,400. $6,000 is $1,600 over. Excess HSA contributions can be taxed. Confirm coverage and correct in time.