Time limits on HSA Payouts?

[BulldogTom]

I don't do many HSA's because CA does not recognize them and so we don't have a lot in our practice.

Is there a time limit on when a payment can be processed for a legitimate expense? In other words, can I get reimbursed from my HSA for an expense in 2010? A legitimate expense that I forgot to submit back in 2010?

Is this a function of the HSA plan administrator's rules on reimbursement more than a function of tax law.

Thanks

Tom

Hollister, CA

[Lynn EA USTCP in Louisiana]

Tom, I do have an HSA. My take on this is that there is NO time limit for requesting reimbursement of an eligible expense. Therefore many folks might 'bank' their HSA, pay their medical bills from nonHSA funds until such time that they have a HUGE medical cost and then seek $ from the HSA.

Lynn

[Slippery Pencil]

No time limit. See question 39 http://www.irs.gov/irb/2004-33_IRB/ar08.html#d0e1935