Health Spending Accounts

Spending limits in the HSA is set by the employer, ranging from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $15,000 per employee. Limits vary based on job classifications, with each group getting a different limit. While there's no strict rule, it's important to keep these limits fair and reasonable. A good practice is to have a maximum difference of 10 times between the highest and lowest limits among employees and employers (i.e. 10:1).

It's not mandatory to include every employee, but fairness is key. The plan shouldn't just cover shareholders, as this goes against Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) rules for HSAs. It might look more like a benefit for shareholders rather than for employees. So, it's advisable to include at least a portion of your non-shareholder employees to comply with these guidelines.

As a business owner, the amount you offer your employees is your choice. A common starting point is about $1,000 for each employee at the basic level. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all amount. You can adjust the budget to suit your plan. After a year, you can review and adjust for future allocations. Best practice is to start small - as it is always easier to offer employees more benefits than it is to take benefits away.

Yes, you can get an HSA if you:

1. Run an active business that's incorporated.
2. Have healthcare costs.
3. Earn some income reported on a T4 slip.

In a way, yes - however it is temporary.

1. First, you pay for the medical expense personally out of your pocket.
2. Then, your corporation pays the same amount to your health spending account provider to process the claim for this expense.
3. Once the claim is processed, your health spending account provider then reimburses you (personally) fully.

So, while it seems like you pay twice, your corporation benefits from a tax deduction and you are reimbursed (personally) tax-free.