by Maureen O’Brien and Susan Nash

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently released guidance on the implementation of the $2,500 limit on health flexible spending accounts (FSA) scheduled to go into effect in 2013.  IRS Notice 2012-40 (Notice) clarifies the application of the new limit for plan years beginning after 2013 and solicits comments regarding whether to modify the use-or-lose rule set forth in the current proposed regulations under Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Code).

The Notice states that the $2,500 limit on contributions to health flexible spending accounts is applicable for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2013.  This means that non-calendar year plans do not need to institute a mid-year limit to comply with applicable law.  In addition, the Notice states that the $2,500 limit does not apply to heath savings accounts or health reimbursement accounts or “flex-credits” granted by an employer.  In addition, for cafeteria plans under Section 125 of the Code with grace periods which allow use of contributions for up to two and one-half months after the end of the plan year, the $2,500 limit does not apply to any amounts contributed for the previous plan year and available during such grace period.

If an employee erroneously contributes more than $2,500 to his or her health flexible spending account for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2013, the Notice provides for a correction method for employers to refund amounts over the limit to the employee and adjust the employee’s reportable wages for the applicable tax year.  This correction method is available only if the employer has complied with the written plan requirements of Section 125 of the Code, the erroneous contribution was due to reasonable mistake and not willful neglect by the employer and the employer’s cafeteria plan is not under examination for the plan year in which the erroneous contributions occurred.

The Notice also provides that employers may amend the cafeteria plan anytime prior to December 31, 2014 to comply with the new FSA limit.  Such amendment may express the limit as a maximum dollar amount or use another method to express the new $2,500 limit.  The $2,500 limit will be subject to cost of living increases and this type of indexing should be considered when drafting any required amendments.

Finally, the Notice requests comments on modifications to the use-or-lose rule for health flexible spending accounts currently in effect given implementation of the new dollar limit.  McDermott will continue to update employers on any changes to the use-or-lose rule for health flexible spending account plans.