What IRS Form 1099-SA (2017) Is For
IRS Form 1099-SA reports distributions from a Health Savings Account (HSA), an Archer Medical Savings Account (Archer MSA), or a Medicare Advantage MSA. The form lists the gross distribution, any taxable amount, the account number, and the fair market value when the payer reports it. The payer issues the form to document distributions from the account for the tax year.
Taxpayers use Form 1099-SA to match reported distributions with qualified medical expenses paid during the year. This matching helps determine whether any part of the distribution is taxable and supports accurate return reporting.
More details on information return requirements are outlined in the Information Returns and Reporting Forms resource.
When You’d Use IRS Form 1099-SA (2017)
Taxpayers use Form 1099-SA when they receive a distribution from a Health Savings Account (HSA) or an Archer Medical Savings Account (MSA). The form reports the total amount distributed from each account and indicates whether any portion may be taxable. It also supports accurate expense tracking by distinguishing qualified medical expenses from potentially non-qualified ones.
Form 1099-SA also applies to Medicare MSA plans, including MA MSAs offered under Medicare Advantage. It helps taxpayers understand how the plan funds their coverage and how distributions relate to Medicare-covered services. Additionally, the form ensures accurate reporting when a payer issues separate statements for different accounts or tax years.
Key Rules or Details for 2017
Taxpayers must use the 2017 HSA rules to determine which expenses qualify under a high-deductible health plan. These rules clarify which HSA distributions are tax-free and which costs can be claimed as tax-deductible. Account holders should track all distributions and keep documentation to support every deductible expense.
The 2017 rules also apply to Medicare Advantage MSAs and other MSA plan types. MSA distributions become taxable when used for nonmedical expenses, and taxpayers must report both the taxable amount and any additional tax owed. Each distribution should be reviewed to understand its impact on taxable income, additional taxes, and total amounts reported for the year.
The IRS Form Help Center provides additional guidance for Form 1099-SA instructions and related filing questions.
Step-by-Step (High Level)
Step 1: The taxpayer reviews Form 1099-SA and confirms the account number, details, and gross distribution for each HSA.
Step 2: The taxpayer matches each distribution with the qualified medical expenses and medical costs that were paid from the HSA, Archer MSA, or Medicare Advantage MSA.
Step 3: The taxpayer identifies the correct distribution code for each entry and determines whether any amount results in taxable income or an additional tax.
Step 4: The taxpayer completes Form 8889 or Form 8853 to report distributions from the HSA, Archer MSA, or Medicare Advantage MSA on the tax return.
Step 5: The filer attaches all required forms to the income tax filing and confirms that the totals reconcile with the gross income figures.
Step 6: The taxpayer organizes medical records, receipts, and annual documents to ensure that future reviews and IRS questions remain manageable.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Filing errors connected to Form 1099-SA create delays and trigger avoidable IRS notices when records contain discrepancies. Identifying specific procedural mistakes improves the accuracy of required forms and supports proper distribution reporting. Accurate documentation supports compliance because the IRS can match reported amounts with its records during processing. Early correction of these issues reduces the need for follow-up correspondence.
- Mismatched Identification Numbers: This mistake occurs when the EIN or SSN on Form 1099-SA does not match the identification number on the tax return, and the taxpayer must verify all entries before submission.
- Incorrect Gross Distribution Reporting: This issue occurs when the stated total distribution differs from the figures shown on bank or trustee statements, and the taxpayer must reconcile all values before filing.
- Missing Form 8889 or Form 8853: This problem occurs when required forms for HSA or MSA reporting are not attached, and the taxpayer must include these forms to complete the submission.
- Unreported Additional Tax Liabilities: This error occurs when taxpayers omit the additional tax owed on nonqualified distributions, and the taxpayer must calculate and report these liabilities accurately.
What Happens After You File
The IRS reviews Form 1099-SA information when a tax return reports annual distributions from an HSA, Archer MSA, or Medicare Advantage MSA. During this review, the IRS compares the gross distributions, distribution codes, and account fair market value with the medical expenses reported on the return. If amounts appear inconsistent, the IRS may also use records from hospitals, doctors, and other health care providers to verify expenses.
If the IRS determines that the reported expenses do not support the distributions or an itemized deduction, it may issue a notice to the taxpayer. The review can also include details about the beneficiary’s coverage, such as Original Medicare, Part D, or an employer health plan.
Taxpayers can correct any errors by filing an amended return and maintaining documentation that supports their reported medical expenses.
FAQs
What should an account holder do if the gross distribution on Form 1099-SA appears incorrect?
An account holder compares the gross distribution with trustee statements that list all distributions from the HSA or the Archer MSA. The account holder requests a corrected form when the figures do not match. The account holder keeps records that support the corrected amount.
How can a taxpayer confirm whether an expense qualifies as a qualified medical expense for 2017?
A taxpayer reviews IRS rules to confirm eligibility for tax-free distributions. A taxpayer checks whether the cost meets medical care guidelines, including prescription drug coverage and approved benefits. A taxpayer keeps receipts to document qualified expenses.
What occurs when an Archer MSA distribution is used for non-qualified expenses?
An Archer MSA distribution used for non-qualified expenses becomes taxable income. The taxpayer calculates the taxable amount and any additional tax that applies. The taxpayer records total contributions and amounts used for non-qualified items.
Does a surviving spouse require a new form when managing medical savings accounts or Medicare Advantage MSA funds?
A surviving spouse receives updated account information after ownership transfers. The administrator issues new documents when distributions continue under the surviving spouse. The surviving spouse verifies all entries, including the distribution code and the fair market value.
How long should taxpayers keep records for HSA and MSA reporting?
Taxpayers keep records for at least three years to support Form 1099-SA distributions. Taxpayers store receipts, statements, and fair market details linked to each account number. Taxpayers retain records longer when excess contributions or corrections require extended support.
Federal forms needed for filing appear in the Federal Fillable Tax Forms resource.
