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Dependent care flexible spending account (FSA)

A dependent care FSA helps you budget for eligible child and adult care expenses.

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What is a dependent care FSA?

A dependent care flexible spending account (FSA) can help you put aside dollars, income tax-free, for the care of children under 13 or for dependent adults who can’t care for themselves. Your account is funded by payroll deductions before taxes. That money may help pay for a variety of eligible services, including day care, nursery school, preschool, after-school or senior day care. 

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Is a dependent care FSA right for you?

Below are a few important things to know when deciding if a dependent care FSA is right for you.

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How it works

You can enroll in a dependent care FSA as long as you and your spouse are working, looking for work or are a full-time student. With a dependent care FSA, you choose how much to contribute, up to a maximum of $5,000 per household, per year. Your employer deducts this amount from each paycheck, before taxes. You don’t have to pay federal, state or payroll taxes on the money credited to your account, although a couple of states do tax contributions. You save money as you lower your income taxes.

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Save on taxes.

With a dependent care FSA you can save for day care, childcare, nursery school and preschool tax-free. If you are working, you are able to use your account to pay for the care of your child under the age of 13 or to care for qualifying dependent adults, like elderly parents, who can’t care for themselves.

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Things to consider before you enroll

Before you enroll, consider the following questions to help estimate your costs:

  • What dependent care services will you need during the year?
  • How often will you use these services?
  • How much will everything cost?
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Don't leave money behind

If you have a dependent care FSA, funds are available as they accumulate in your account from your payroll deductions. It’s important to understand that in most cases FSAs do have a “use it or lose it” rule. That means you may lose any money left in your account at the end of the plan year.

 

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*Your FSA plan may exclude reimbursement for certain categories of items. Check your plan for specific coverage details.

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The Optum Store is an affiliate of the UnitedHealth Group family of companies.