Support Staff - Tax Savings Accounts

Save money every year by using pre-tax funds for eligible healthcare, dependent care and commuting expenses.

The University offers Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)s, including, Healthcare, Dependent Care, and the Transit/Parking Reimbursement Program (T/PRP) account. Using these tax savings accounts for eligible expenses could result in significant savings.

No matter which medical plan you choose—or if you choose not to enroll in University medical coverage)—you can enroll in the Healthcare and Dependent Care FSA, and the T/PRP.

Tax Savings Accounts Overview

Account type: Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Eligible expenses: Most medical, dental and vision care expenses not covered by your health plan, such as copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, eyeglasses and prescriptions.
Annual contribution limits and other notes: Set aside up to $3,200 per year on a pre-tax basis to pay for healthcare expenses during a single calendar year. Roll over up to $640 from one year to the next.*

Account type: Dependent Care FSA
Eligible expenses: Dependent care expenses, such as day care, after-school programs or elder care programs, for children under age 13 or elder care so you and your spouse can work or attend school full-time.
Annual contribution limits and other notes: Maximum: $5,000*

($2,500 if married and filing separate tax returns)*

Account type: Child Care Benefit (Local 100, NUSS and Postdocs)
Eligible expenses: Dependent care expenses, such as day care, after-school programs are for children up to age 6 and not yet in kindergarten.
Annual contribution limits and other notes: You may elect up to $5,000 contribution ($4,000 for Local 100) from Columbia to the Dependent Care FSA.**

Account type: Transit Reimbursement Account
Eligible expenses: Expenses for transportation to or from work on a subway, train, bus or ferry.
Annual contribution limits and other notes: Maximum: $315 per month*

Account type: Parking Reimbursement Account
Eligible expenses: Expenses for work-related parking at or near your workplace or a commuter lot where you transfer to a vanpool or mass transit.
Annual contribution limits and other notes: Maximum: $315 per month*

_{* IRS limits are subject to change.}

_{**If you receive this benefit, the total contributions between DCFSA and Child Care Benefit cannot exceed the $5,000 annual amount.}

You and/or your tax dependents don’t need to be enrolled in the University health plan to participate in an FSA. To manage FSA expenses, go to myuhc.com; click “Register Now;” use your Social Security Number as your member ID; use 902784 for the group/policy number.

Support Staff - Tax Savings Accounts

Health & Welfare Benefits

Benefits Tools