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 empty-plan leftover is already written: $1,200 YTD → $3,200 left. Family leftover at a bigger YTD: $6,000 → $2,750 left. This page is the mid-year self-only leftover: $1,800 already in.
- Self-only, under 55: room $2,600
- Self-only, age 55+: room $3,600
- Family, under 55: room $6,950
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: self-only $4,400. $1,800 → $2,600
- Self-only 2026 limit = $4,400
- Room = $4,400 − $1,800 = $2,600
- Self-only + age 55 = $5,400. Room after $1,800 = $3,600
- Same $1,800 on family = $8,750 − $1,800 → $6,950 left
limit = $4,400 self-only or $8,750 family, plus $1,000 if 55+
remaining = max(0, limit − YTD including employer deposits)
Self-only vs family on the same $1,800 YTD
| Coverage | Age 55+ | Limit | Room after $1,800 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-only | No | $4,400 | $2,600 |
| Self-only | Yes | $5,400 | $3,600 |
| Family | No | $8,750 | $6,950 |
| Family | Yes | $9,750 | $7,950 |
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 $1,200 YTD leftover. That still has $3,200 on self-only. This page starts at $1,800.
- The family $6,000 leftover. That page is already over the self-only cap. Family after $6,000.
- A December clock. Coverage that starts December 1 can still unlock the year cap under the last-month rule. HSA last-month vs FSA year-end.
- Dependent-care FSA. IRC 129 leftover after a mid-year YTD: $2,500 already in leaves $2,500.
- 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 $1,800 and you are under 55. Confirm HDHP eligibility in Pub. 969.
Yes. Employer + employee share the same $4,400. The $1,800 already in is the combined figure.
Family cap is $8,750. The same $1,800 leaves $6,950. Confirm coverage before you treat $2,600 as the ceiling.