
What IRS Form 1099-SA (2022) 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 for the tax year. The form reports total gross distributions, the portion of earnings included in those distributions, and a distribution code that indicates how the withdrawal may affect taxable income. It helps account holders determine whether the distributions were used for qualified medical expenses or whether they resulted in taxable income.
The trustee submits the form to the IRS, and the account holder uses the reported amounts to accurately complete their tax return. These figures support claims for eligible medical expenses and clarify the payments made during the year. The instructions also explain how different types of distributions affect gross income, helping reduce reporting errors for medical savings accounts.
Additional context on related reporting obligations appears in the Information Returns and Reporting Forms resource.
When You’d Use IRS Form 1099-SA (2022)
Form 1099-SA applies when an HSA or Archer MSA custodian reports distributions made to an account beneficiary. The form helps the filer report HSA distributions, confirm how qualified medical expenses were treated, and document medical eligible expenditures for tax-related purposes. The information supports accurate itemized deduction entries and supports consistent tax reporting across similar accounts.
The form may be required when excess contributions occur or when timely removal of excess contributions is necessary for compliance. The details assist with reviewing HSA contribution limits, tracking employer contributions, and reporting catch-up contributions within a tax return. The entries help clarify how an HSA distribution is reported when the payment involves insurance premium rules.
Key Rules or Details for 2022
The 2022 rules outline the circumstances under which distributions qualify as tax-free payments for eligible health expenses. They also provide a list of qualified medical costs that can be paid without creating taxable income. Additionally, the rules clarify how fair market value affects the taxable portion of a distribution.
The IRS requires taxpayers to report any MSA distribution that becomes taxable because it was used for non-qualified expenses. Taxpayers must also report taxable amounts resulting from prohibited transactions and may be liable for additional taxes. Each distribution code identifies the purpose of a withdrawal for Archer MSA or Medicare MSA reporting.
Step-by-Step (High Level)
Step 1: The account holder reviews Form 1099-SA to confirm the gross distribution amount, fair market value entries, and distribution code for accuracy.
Step 2: The filer gathers receipts for medical expenses, medical treatment, health insurance premiums, and medical service provider payments to support proper reporting requirements.
Step 3: The filer completes Form 8889 to report contributions, report distributions, deduct contributions when eligible, and enter employer contributions for the tax year.
Step 4: The filer records any taxable portion, enters the taxable amount from nonqualified expenses, and incorporates the final figures into adjusted gross income.
Step 5: The filer keeps records, confirms the fair market value, reviews IRS guidance, and contacts a tax professional when support becomes necessary.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Tax filings that include Form 1099-SA often face setbacks when specific procedural errors appear in submitted records. Identifying these issues improves the accuracy of reported information and supports smoother Internal Revenue Service verification. Accurate documentation also strengthens compliance for account-related filings. Consistent preparation helps maintain alignment with reporting requirements.
- Mismatched Taxpayer Identification Numbers: This mistake appears when the number entered on the return does not match the number shown on Form 1099-SA. The filer confirms the correct identifying number before submitting the return.
- Incorrect Distribution Codes: This issue occurs when the code reported does not match the coded reason provided by the issuing custodian. The filer reviews the custodian’s form to select the correct code.
- Omitted Supporting Records: This error occurs when receipts, statements, or repayment records are not retained for verification. The filer keeps all documents connected to the distribution.
- Unreported Excess Contributions: This problem appears when excess amounts are neither removed nor disclosed. The filer completes the required removal and reports the corrected figure.
What Happens After You File
The IRS reviews tax returns by comparing Form 1099-SA distributions with the amounts reported by the taxpayer. It verifies that each distribution code matches the stated purpose of the withdrawal and checks related HSA or Archer MSA activity for accuracy and completeness.
If the IRS finds a taxable amount that requires an adjustment, it may issue a notice. This notice can request documentation to support eligible medical expenses, qualifying expenses, or high-deductible health plan coverage. The IRS may also ask for proof of payments to medical providers or evidence showing how distributions were used or reimbursed.
Required federal templates appear in the Federal Fillable Tax Forms resource.
FAQs
What does Form 1099-SA report for an account holder?
Form 1099-SA reports the gross distribution, the total earnings distributed, and the distribution code linked to the withdrawal. The form confirms whether distributions from an HSA were used for tax-deductible medical costs or created taxable income. The information supports accurate entries reviewed at tax time.
How does an Archer MSA or Medicare distribution affect taxable reporting?
A withdrawal connected to an Archer MSA or Medicare Advantage MSA becomes taxable when the funds do not cover premiums or other eligible medical costs. The Internal Revenue Service requires reporting of any taxable portion and related employment taxes. The filer uses guidance on the IRS website to confirm reporting rules for an MSA or Medicare Advantage arrangement.
When do excess contributions require correction?
Excess contributions require correction when the deposits exceed annual limits for the account. A removal completed on time prevents penalties and incorrect reporting connected to excess HSA amounts. The filer reports the corrected figure to maintain accurate tax time documentation.
What records support a distribution code reported on Form 1099-SA?
A distribution code requires supporting receipts that match medical payments or other permitted uses. The filer keeps records for medical service payments, care-related invoices, and coverage premium documentation. These records confirm compliance when reviewed against Form 1099-SA distributions.
How are Archer MSA contributions documented for tax purposes?
Archer MSA contributions require clear entries that reflect the fair market value of the account and the account’s position for the tax year. The filer maintains proof of payments connected to the medical plan. Documentation supports reporting when the account involves a beneficiary's spouse, MSA rules, or distributions directly supporting care.

