Medical Savings Account
What an Archer MSA is, who can still open one, the 2026 plan and contribution limits, how withdrawals are taxed, and a calculator.
Medical savings account (Archer MSA) calculator (2026)
What an Archer medical savings account is
An Archer MSA is a tax-advantaged medical savings account for self-employed people and employees of small employers (generally 50 or fewer employees) with a high deductible health plan. It's the predecessor of the HSA, and it's closed to most new people: after 2007 you can't be an eligible individual unless you already had an Archer MSA or work for a participating employer (IRS Publication 969). Most people use an HSA instead.
2026 limits
- Eligible plan: self-only deductible $2,900 to $4,400 with out-of-pocket costs up to $5,850; family deductible $5,850 to $8,750 with out-of-pocket up to $10,700 (IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32).
- Contributions (by you or your employer, not both) are limited to 65% of the deductible for self-only coverage or 75% for family coverage, prorated by months covered and limited to your compensation.
Withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free; others are taxed and, before 65, hit with an additional 20% tax. Distributions are reported on Form 1099-SA and Form 8853.
Common questions
Can I still open an Archer MSA?
Only if you had one before or work for a participating employer; most people use an HSA instead.
How much can I put in an Archer MSA?
65% of the deductible for self-only coverage or 75% for family coverage.
What are the 2026 Archer MSA deductibles?
$2,900 to $4,400 self-only, $5,850 to $8,750 family.
Sources
More paycheck and tax calculators: Married Filing Separately · Medicaid · Personal Property Tax · S Corp
Related
General information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Check important numbers with the official source before acting on them.