How Do You Save Money for the Holidays?
December 6, 2012
If you are not utilizing an FSA, maybe you should be.
A Flexible Spending Account can help you save hundreds of tax dollars each year; with an FSA you end up with a tax deduction for your out-of-pocket medical and/or dependent care expenses.
Doing some simple planning of the expenses you will incur in the next year, can save you approximately 28% on your insurance co-pays and deductibles, prescription drugs, diabetic supplies, eye glasses, podiatry services, dental services, orthodontics/braces, and more. And let’s not forget 28% on dependent day-care expenses for your young children up to age 13. To give you a clearer picture of the savings, take a look at the bottom line of how much more money you can have in your pocket each month according to the example (*figures will depend on employees actual earnings, tax rates, and costs):
NO FSA Plan | FSA Plan | |
Monthly Income | $ 3,500.00 | $ 3,500.00 |
Pretax Medical Expenses | – | $ 100.00 |
Pretax Daycare Expenses | – | $ 400.00 |
Pretax Premiums (health & dental) | $ 75.00 | $ 75.00 |
Taxable Income | $ 3,425.00 | $ 2,925.00 |
Withholding (28% for taxes, FICA, Medicare) | $ 959.00 | $ 819.00 |
Post-tax Medical Expenses | $ 100.00 | – |
Post-tax Daycare Expenses | $ 400.00 | – |
Net Income | $ 1,966.00 | $ 2,106.00 |