So we have been putting a few thousand every year into a pre-tax fsa account for childcare expenses. Going back to 2020 I guess we just completely forgot (childcare was disrupted by Covid) about it and haven't submitted any expenses so it's just sitting there. We will submit a small about this year and stop the deductions at open-enrollment. This is through my wife's employer (NISD) and they have not been very helpful yet. They say we cannot file any claims for 2020 or 2021 at this point. Surely we can get this money back after paying back taxes on it, right?

Generally, it's use it or lose it. So it would be gone. However, think there were extension exceptions for the Covid years, but we're probably past those extensions.

Also, my understanding is it goes back to the employer if you don't use it. So you could try there. But I'm not 100% on that as I don't have personal experience. I was just told that by someone who lost it and said they were able to get it back through the employer.

But for this reason, we just cash what we have in there out every quarter.

htxag09 said:

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Also, my understanding is it goes back to the employer if you don't use it.

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That is correct

Your thread title says it all

You should be able to put the unreimbursed expenses on tax returns. Can't double dip.

Summer day camps are a way to use DCFSA in a big way if you're not already.

Dude. Great idea on day camps. Thank you!

Picard said:

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Your thread title says it all

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I know. Thanks.

Also, just so you know. In addition to losing the money if you don't file by April, you also lose the money if you leave the employer.

I retired end of March 2019, and healthcare money that I put into the account poofed immediately. It was only 1 quarters worth of contributions, so I didn't raise a ruckus, but I was surprised to get a notice back when I filed a claim in April that I had no funds in the account.

htxag09 said:

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Generally, it's use it or lose it. So it would be gone. However, think there were extension exceptions for the Covid years, but we're probably past those extensions.

Also, my understanding is it goes back to the employer if you don't use it. So you could try there. But I'm not 100% on that as I don't have personal experience. I was just told that by someone who lost it and said they were able to get it back through the employer.

But for this reason, we just cash what we have in there out every quarter.

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There were provisions due to covid that permitted carryover from 2020 and 2021 into 2022, but those provisions gave employers flexibility in whether or not to allow those carryovers.

So, there's a small chance, but you'd have to check with the employer. And if they didn't adopt those provisions already, there's nothing that can be done now.

Another reason an HSA is SOOOO much better, because the money is yours and can build up year after year.

If you "lose it" who keeps the money?

Poster above said it goes back to the employer. I've read that online as well when I was looking into this.