IRS Form 5498-SA – IRS Forms, Instructions, Pubs 2026 – In the world of tax reporting and health-related savings accounts, IRS Form 5498-SA plays a crucial role for individuals and financial institutions alike. Whether you’re managing a Health Savings Account (HSA), an Archer Medical Savings Account (MSA), or a Medicare Advantage MSA (MA MSA), this form provides essential information about contributions, rollovers, and account values. As of 2026, with updated revisions from the IRS, understanding Form 5498-SA can help you stay compliant and make informed decisions about your tax-deductible contributions. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, drawing from official IRS sources for accuracy.
What Is IRS Form 5498-SA?
IRS Form 5498-SA is an informational tax form used to report contributions made to certain health-related savings accounts during a calendar year. It is filed by trustees or custodians of HSAs, Archer MSAs, or MA MSAs to inform both the IRS and the account holder about activity in these accounts. The form does not need to be attached to your tax return but should be kept for your records to verify contributions when filing forms like 1040, 8853, or 8889.
The primary purpose of Form 5498-SA is to document:
- Regular contributions from employees, self-employed individuals, or employers.
- Rollover contributions from other eligible accounts.
- The fair market value (FMV) of the account at year-end.
A separate Form 5498-SA is required for each type of plan (HSA, Archer MSA, or MA MSA), ensuring clear reporting for different account structures. For the 2026 tax year, trustees use the December 2026 revision of the form, which includes updates like separated address fields and online fillable options.
Who Must File and Who Receives Form 5498-SA?
Trustees or custodians of HSAs, Archer MSAs, or MA MSAs are required to file Form 5498-SA with the IRS for each account holder. This includes banks, credit unions, or other financial institutions that manage these accounts. If no contributions were made and a total distribution occurred during the year, the form may not need to be filed, especially if the year-end FMV is zero.
Account holders (participants) receive Copy B of the form, which serves as a statement of their account activity. You might receive this form if:
- You contributed to an HSA or Archer MSA.
- Your employer made contributions on your behalf.
- You rolled over funds from another eligible account.
- The Social Security Administration contributed to your MA MSA (though neither you nor your employer can contribute directly).
In cases of the account holder’s death, the form is filed for the decedent, and the account’s status changes based on the beneficiary—such as the surviving spouse becoming the new holder for HSAs or Archer MSAs.
Key Boxes on Form 5498-SA Explained
Form 5498-SA is structured with sections for trustee and participant information, followed by six key boxes that detail financial activity. Here’s a box-by-box breakdown:
- Box 1: Employee or Self-Employed Person’s Archer MSA Contributions Made in the Calendar Year and the Subsequent Year for the Calendar Year
Reports regular contributions to an Archer MSA made during the year and up to April 15 of the following year. This does not include HSA information and may include excess contributions (even if later withdrawn). - Box 2: Total Contributions Made in the Calendar Year
Shows the total contributions to an HSA or Archer MSA for the year, including those designated for the prior year and qualified HSA funding distributions from an IRA. For MA MSAs, this may optionally include contributions from the Department of Health and Human Services. - Box 3: Total HSA or Archer MSA Contributions Made in the Subsequent Year for the Calendar Year
Details contributions made in the following year but designated for the reported calendar year. - Box 4: Rollover Contributions
Lists rollover amounts received during the year, such as from one Archer MSA to another or from an HSA/Archer MSA to an HSA. These are not included in Boxes 1, 2, or 3. - Box 5: Fair Market Value of HSA, Archer MSA, or MA MSA
Indicates the account’s FMV as of December 31 of the reported year. - Box 6: Account Type Checkbox
Specifies whether the account is an HSA, Archer MSA, or MA MSA.
Additional fields include the account number (required if multiple forms are filed for one person), TINs (with truncation for privacy on participant copies), and address details. The form also notes that employer contributions appear on Form W-2 (codes R for Archer MSA or W for HSA).
Reporting Contributions, Rollovers, and Special Cases
Contributions to these accounts are generally tax-deductible or excludable from income, but rules vary:
- HSAs: You and/or your employer can contribute; see IRS Publication 969 for limits.
- Archer MSAs: Employee or self-employed contributions are deductible, but employer contributions exclude you from making your own.
- MA MSAs: Only funded by the government; no personal or employer contributions allowed.
Rollovers are reported in Box 4, but trustee-to-trustee transfers (e.g., HSA to HSA) are not treated as contributions or rollovers. However, IRA-to-HSA transfers are included in Box 2. Excess contributions should be reported, even if corrected.
For 2026, note that e-filing is required for 10 or more returns, a lowered threshold from previous years.
Due Dates for Form 5498-SA
- To the IRS: Filed by May 31 of the year following the reported calendar year (e.g., May 31, 2027, for 2026 activity).
- To Participants: Statements (Copy B) must be furnished by May 31. An optional FMV statement can be provided by January 31, but if no further contributions occur, no additional statement is needed—though the IRS filing is still required.
How Does Form 5498-SA Affect Your Taxes?
This form helps verify contributions for deductions on your tax return. For example:
- HSA contributions may reduce your taxable income via Form 8889.
- Archer MSA contributions are reported on Form 8853.
Keep Form 5498-SA to reconcile with your records, especially if auditing contributions or rollovers. It doesn’t trigger taxes but ensures accurate reporting to avoid penalties for excess contributions.
Frequently Asked Questions About IRS Form 5498-SA
1. Do I need to file Form 5498-SA myself?
No, it’s filed by your account trustee. You receive a copy for reference.
2. What if I don’t receive my Form 5498-SA?
Contact your financial institution. It’s not required for tax filing but useful for verification.
3. Are there penalties for errors on Form 5498-SA?
Trustees face penalties for late or incorrect filings, but as a participant, focus on accurate personal reporting.
4. How do I download Form 5498-SA?
The latest blank form is available at the IRS website: Download PDF.
For more details, consult IRS Publication 969 or a tax professional.
This guide is based on the most current IRS information as of February 2026. Always check the official IRS website for updates.