26 U.S.C. § 220
(b) Limitations
(2) Monthly limitation The monthly limitation for any month is the amount equal to 1⁄12 of—
(3) Special rule for married individuals In the case of individuals who are married to each other, if either spouse has family coverage—
(4) Deduction not to exceed compensation
(5) Coordination with exclusion for employer contributions No deduction shall be allowed under this section for any amount paid for any taxable year to an Archer MSA of an individual if—
(c) Definitions For purposes of this section—
(1) Eligible individual
(A) In general The term “eligible individual” means, with respect to any month, any individual if—
(ii) such individual is not, while covered under a high deductible health plan, covered under any health plan—
(iii)
(B) Certain coverage disregarded Subparagraph (A)(ii) shall be applied without regard to—
(C) Continued eligibility of employee and spouse establishing Archer MSAs If, while an employer is a small employer—
such individual shall not cease to meet the requirement of subparagraph (A)(iii)(I) by reason of such employer ceasing to be a small employer so long as such employee continues to be an employee of such employer.
(2) High deductible health plan
(A) In general The term “high deductible health plan” means a health plan—
(iii) the annual out-of-pocket expenses required to be paid under the plan (other than for premiums) for covered benefits does not exceed—
(B) Special rules
(3) Permitted insurance The term “permitted insurance” means—
(A) insurance if substantially all of the coverage provided under such insurance relates to—
(4) Small employer
(C) Certain growing employers retain treatment as small employer The term “small employer” includes, with respect to any calendar year, any employer if—
(D) Special rules
(d) Archer MSA For purposes of this section—
(1) Archer MSA The term “Archer MSA” means a trust created or organized in the United States as a medical savings account exclusively for the purpose of paying the qualified medical expenses of the account holder, but only if the written governing instrument creating the trust meets the following requirements:
(A) Except in the case of a rollover contribution described in subsection (f)(5), no contribution will be accepted—
(2) Qualified medical expenses
(B) Health insurance may not be purchased from account
(ii) Exceptions Clause (i) shall not apply to any expense for coverage under—
(4) Certain rules to apply Rules similar to the following rules shall apply for purposes of this section:
(e) Tax treatment of accounts
(f) Tax treatment of distributions
(3) Excess contributions returned before due date of return
(A) In general If any excess contribution is contributed for a taxable year to any Archer MSA of an individual, paragraph (2) shall not apply to distributions from the Archer MSAs of such individual (to the extent such distributions do not exceed the aggregate excess contributions to all such accounts of such individual for such year) if—
Any net income described in clause (ii) shall be included in the gross income of the individual for the taxable year in which it is received.
(4) Additional tax on distributions not used for qualified medical expenses
(5) Rollover contribution An amount is described in this paragraph as a rollover contribution if it meets the requirements of subparagraphs (A) and (B).
(8) Treatment after death of account holder
(B) Other cases
(i) In general If, by reason of the death of the account holder, any person acquires the account holder’s interest in an Archer MSA in a case to which subparagraph (A) does not apply—
(ii) Special rules
(g) Cost-of-living adjustment In the case of any taxable year beginning in a calendar year after 1998, each dollar amount in subsection (c)(2) shall be increased by an amount equal to—
If any increase under the preceding sentence is not a multiple of $50, such increase shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $50.
(i) Limitation on number of taxpayers having Archer MSAs
(1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (5), no individual shall be treated as an eligible individual for any taxable year beginning after the cut-off year unless—
(2) Cut-off year For purposes of paragraph (1), the term “cut-off year” means the earlier of—
(3) Active MSA participant For purposes of this subsection—
(B) Special rule for cut-off years before 2007 In the case of a cut-off year before 2007—
(C) Cut-off date For purposes of subparagraph (B)—
(iv) Special rules for 1997 If 1997 is a cut-off year by reason of subsection (j)(1)(A)—
(4) MSA-participating employer For purposes of this subsection, the term “MSA-participating employer” means any small employer if—
(5) Additional eligibility after cut-off year If the Secretary determines under subsection (j)(2)(A) that the numerical limit for the calendar year following a cut-off year described in paragraph (2)(B) has not been exceeded—
For purposes of this paragraph, subsection (j)(2)(A) shall be applied for 1998 by substituting “750,000” for “600,000”.
(j) Determination of whether numerical limits are exceeded
(1) Determination of whether limit exceeded for 1997 The numerical limitation for 1997 is exceeded if, based on the reports required under paragraph (4), the number of Archer MSAs established as of—
(2) Determination of whether limit exceeded for 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, or 2006
(A) In general The numerical limitation for 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, or 2006 is exceeded if the sum of—
exceeds 750,000 (600,000 in the case of 1998). For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term “MSA return” means any return on which any exclusion is claimed under section 106(b) or any deduction is claimed under this section.
(B) Alternative computation of limitation The numerical limitation for 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, or 2006 is also exceeded if the sum of—
exceeds 750,000.
(3) Previously uninsured individuals not included in determination
(4) Reporting by MSA trustees
(A) In general Not later than August 1 of 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, and 2006, each person who is the trustee of an Archer MSA established before July 1 of such calendar year shall make a report to the Secretary (in such form and manner as the Secretary shall specify) which specifies—
(C) Penalty for failure to file report The penalty provided in section 6693(a) shall apply to any report required by this paragraph, except that—
(Added Pub. L. 104–191, title III, § 301(a), , 110 Stat. 2037; amended Pub. L. 105–33, title IV, § 4006(b)(2), , 111 Stat. 333; Pub. L. 105–34, title XVI, § 1602(a)(2), (3), , 111 Stat. 1093, 1094; Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, §§ 201(a), (b), 202(a)(4), (b)(2)(B), (3)–(8), (10), (11)], , 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–628, 2763A–629; Pub. L. 107–147, title VI, § 612(a), (b), , 116 Stat. 61; Pub. L. 108–173, title XII, § 1201(c), , 117 Stat. 2476; Pub. L. 108–311, title II, § 207(19), title III, § 322(a), (b), , 118 Stat. 1178, 1183; Pub. L. 109–432, div. A, title I, § 117(a), (b), , 120 Stat. 2941; Pub. L. 111–148, title IX, §§ 9003(b), 9004(b), , 124 Stat. 854; Pub. L. 115–97, title I, §§ 11002(d)(1)(T), 11051(b)(3)(D), , 131 Stat. 2060, 2090.)
Pub. L. 115–97, title I, § 11051(b)(3)(D), (c), , 131 Stat. 2090, amended subsection (f)(7) of this section, applicable to any divorce or separation instrument (as defined in former section 71(b)(2) of this title as in effect before ) executed after , and to such instruments executed on or before , and modified after , if the modification expressly provides that the amendment made by section 11051 of Pub. L. 115–97 applies to such modification. After amendment, subsection (f)(7) reads as follows:
(7) Transfer of account incident to divorce
The transfer of an individual’s interest in an Archer MSA to an individual’s spouse or former spouse under a divorce or separation instrument described in clause (i) of section 121(d)(3)(C) shall not be considered a taxable transfer made by such individual notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, and such interest shall, after such transfer, be treated as an Archer MSA with respect to which such spouse is the account holder.
See 2017 Amendment note below.
For inflation adjustment of certain items in this section, see Revenue Procedures listed in a table under section 1 of this title.
The Social Security Act, referred to in subsecs. (b)(7) and (f)(4)(C), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620, as amended. Title XVIII of the Act is classified generally to subchapter XVIII (§ 1395 et seq.) of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. Section 1811 of the Act is classified to section 1395c of Title 42. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.
A prior section 220 was renumbered 224 of this title.
Another prior section 220, added Pub. L. 100–647, title VI, § 6007(a), , 102 Stat. 3687, related to jury duty pay remitted to employer, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, § 11802(e)(2), , 104 Stat. 1388–530.
Another prior section 220, added Pub. L. 94–455, title XV, § 1501(a), , 90 Stat. 1734; amended Pub. L. 95–600, title I, §§ 156(c)(3), 157(a)(2), (b)(2), title VII, § 703(c)(2), (3), , 92 Stat. 2803, 2804, 2939; Pub. L. 96–222, title I, § 101(a)(14)(B), , 94 Stat. 204, related to retirement savings for certain married individuals, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 97–34, title III, § 311(e), , 95 Stat. 280, applicable to taxable years beginning after , and deductions allowed under section 220 of this title, as in effect prior to its repeal, treated as deductions under section 219 of this title.
2017—Subsec. (f)(7). Pub. L. 115–97, § 11051(b)(3)(D), substituted “clause (i) of section 121(d)(3)(C)” for “subparagraph (A) of section 71(b)(2)”.
Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 115–97, § 11002(d)(1)(T), substituted “for ‘calendar year 2016’ in subparagraph (A)(ii)” for “for ‘calendar year 1992’ in subparagraph (B)”.
2010—Subsec. (d)(2)(A). Pub. L. 111–148, § 9003(b), inserted at end “Such term shall include an amount paid for medicine or a drug only if such medicine or drug is a prescribed drug (determined without regard to whether such drug is available without a prescription) or is insulin.”
Subsec. (f)(4)(A). Pub. L. 111–148, § 9004(b), substituted “20 percent” for “15 percent”.
2006—Subsec. (i)(2), (3)(B). Pub. L. 109–432, § 117(a), substituted “2007” for “2005” wherever appearing in headings and text.
Subsec. (j)(2). Pub. L. 109–432, § 117(b)(1), substituted “2004, 2005, or 2006” for “or 2004” in heading and in introductory provisions of subpars. (A) and (B).
Subsec. (j)(4)(A). Pub. L. 109–432, § 117(b)(2), substituted “2004, 2005, and 2006” for “and 2004” in introductory provisions.
2004—Subsec. (d)(2)(A). Pub. L. 108–311, § 207(19), inserted “, determined without regard to subsections (b)(1), (b)(2), and (d)(1)(B) thereof” after “section 152”.
Subsec. (i)(2), (3)(B). Pub. L. 108–311, § 322(a), substituted “2005” for “2003” wherever appearing in headings and text.
Subsec. (j)(2). Pub. L. 108–311, § 322(b)(1)(B), substituted “2002, or 2004” for “or 2002” in heading.
Subsec. (j)(2)(A), (B). Pub. L. 108–311, § 322(b)(1)(A), substituted “2002, or 2004” for “or 2002” in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (j)(2)(C). Pub. L. 108–311, § 322(b)(3), amended heading and text of subpar. (C) generally. Prior to amendment text read as follows: “The numerical limitation shall not apply for 2000.”
Subsec. (j)(4)(A). Pub. L. 108–311, § 322(b)(2), substituted “2002, and 2004” for “and 2002” in introductory provisions.
2003—Subsec. (f)(5)(A). Pub. L. 108–173 inserted “or a health savings account (as defined in section 223(d))” after “paid into an Archer MSA”.
2002—Subsec. (i)(2). Pub. L. 107–147, § 612(a), substituted “2003” for “2002” in subpars. (A) and (B).
Subsec. (i)(3)(B). Pub. L. 107–147, § 612(a), substituted “2003” for “2002” in heading and introductory provisions.
Subsec. (j)(2). Pub. L. 107–147, § 612(b)(1), substituted “1998, 1999, 2001, or 2002” for “1998, 1999, or 2001” wherever appearing in heading and text.
Subsec. (j)(4)(A). Pub. L. 107–147, § 612(b)(2), substituted “2001, and 2002” for “and 2001”.
2000—Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 202(b)(8)], substituted “Archer MSAs” for “Medical savings accounts” in section catchline.
Subsecs. (a), (b)(5). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 202(b)(10)], substituted “an Archer MSA” for “a Archer MSA”.
Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 202(a)(4)], substituted “Archer MSA” for “medical savings account” wherever appearing.
Subsec. (c)(1)(C). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 202(b)(7)], substituted “Archer MSAs” for “medical savings accounts” in heading.
Subsec. (c)(1)(C)(i). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 202(b)(10)], substituted “an Archer MSA” for “a Archer MSA”.
Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 202(a)(4)], substituted “Archer MSA” for “medical savings account”.
Subsec. (c)(1)(D). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 202(b)(2)(B)], substituted “Archer MSAs” for “medical savings accounts”.
Subsec. (c)(4)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 202(a)(4)], substituted “Archer MSA” for “medical savings account”.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 202(b)(4)], substituted “Archer MSA” for “Medical savings account” in heading.
Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 202(b)(5)], substituted “Archer MSA” for “Medical savings account” in heading.
Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 202(a)(4), (b)(3)], in introductory provisions, substituted “Archer MSA” for “medical savings account” and inserted “as a medical savings account” after “United States”.
Subsec. (d)(2)(C), (3). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 202(a)(4)], substituted “Archer MSA” for “medical savings account”.
Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 202(b)(10), (11)], substituted “An Archer MSA is exempt” for “A Archer MSA is exempt” and “ceased to be an Archer MSA” for “ceased to be a Archer MSA”.
Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 202(a)(4)], substituted “Archer MSA” for “medical savings account” in two places.
Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 202(b)(2)(B)], substituted “Archer MSAs” for “medical savings accounts”.
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 202(b)(10)], substituted “an Archer MSA” for “a Archer MSA” wherever appearing.
Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 202(a)(4), (b)(2)(B)], substituted “Archer MSA” for “medical savings account” wherever appearing and “Archer MSAs” for “medical savings accounts” in introductory provisions of par. (3)(A).
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 202(b)(10)], substituted “an Archer MSA” for “a Archer MSA”.
Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 202(a)(4)], substituted “Archer MSA” for “medical savings account”.
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 202(b)(6)], substituted “Archer MSAs” for “medical savings accounts” in heading.
Subsec. (i)(2)(A), (B). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 201(a)], substituted “2002” for “2000”.
Subsec. (i)(3)(A). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 202(a)(4)], substituted “Archer MSA” for “medical savings account”.
Subsec. (i)(3)(B). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 201(a)], substituted “2002” for “2000” in heading and introductory provisions.
Subsec. (i)(4)(A). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 202(a)(4)], substituted “Archer MSA” for “medical savings account”.
Subsec. (i)(4)(B). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 202(b)(2)(B)], substituted “Archer MSAs” for “medical savings accounts”.
Subsec. (i)(5)(A). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 202(a)(4)], substituted “Archer MSA” for “medical savings account”.
Subsec. (j)(1). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 202(b)(2)(B)], substituted “Archer MSAs” for “medical savings accounts” in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (j)(2). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 201(b)(1)(A)], substituted “1998, 1999, or 2001” for “1998 or 1999” in heading and in introductory provisions of subpars. (A) and (B).
Subsec. (j)(2)(A). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 201(b)(1)(B)], substituted “750,000 (600,000 in the case of 1998)” for “600,000 (750,000 in the case of 1999)” in concluding provisions.
Subsec. (j)(2)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 202(b)(2)(B)], substituted “Archer MSAs” for “medical savings accounts”.
Subsec. (j)(2)(C). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 201(b)(1)(C)], added subpar. (C).
Subsec. (j)(3)(A), (B). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 202(a)(4)], substituted “Archer MSA” for “medical savings account”.
Subsec. (j)(4)(A). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 202(b)(10)], substituted “an Archer MSA” for “a Archer MSA” in introductory provisions.
Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, §§ 201(b)(2), 202(a)(4)], in introductory provisions, substituted “1999, and 2001” for “and 1999” and “Archer MSA” for “medical savings account”.
Subsec. (j)(4)(A)(i). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 202(b)(2)(B)], substituted “Archer MSAs” for “medical savings accounts”.
Subsec. (j)(4)(B). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 202(b)(10)], substituted “an Archer MSA” for “a Archer MSA”.
Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 202(a)(4)], substituted “Archer MSA” for “medical savings account”.
Subsec. (j)(4)(D). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 202(b)(2)(B)], substituted “Archer MSAs” for “medical savings accounts” in two places.
1997—Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 105–33 added par. (7).
Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 105–34, § 1602(a)(2), redesignated subpars. (B) to (D) as (A) to (C), respectively, and struck out former subpar. (A) which read as follows: “Medicare supplemental insurance,”.
Subsec. (d)(2)(C). Pub. L. 105–34, § 1602(a)(3), substituted “described in clauses (i) and (ii) of subsection (c)(1)(A)” for “an eligible individual”.
Amendment by section 11002(d)(1)(T) of Pub. L. 115–97 applicable to taxable years beginning after , see section 11002(e) of Pub. L. 115–97, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.
Amendment by section 11051(b)(3)(D) of Pub. L. 115–97 applicable to any divorce or separation instrument (as defined in former section 71(b)(2) of this title as in effect before ) executed after , and to such instruments executed on or before , and modified after , if the modification expressly provides that the amendment made by section 11051 of Pub. L. 115–97 applies to such modification, see section 11051(c) of Pub. L. 115–97, set out as a note under section 61 of this title.
Pub. L. 111–148, title IX, § 9003(d)(1), , 124 Stat. 854, provided that:
“The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) [amending this section and
section 223 of this title] shall apply to amounts paid with respect to taxable years beginning after
December 31, 2010.”
Pub. L. 111–148, title IX, § 9004(c), , 124 Stat. 854, provided that:
“The amendments made by this section [amending this section and
section 223 of this title] shall apply to distributions made after
December 31, 2010.”
Amendment by section 207(19) of Pub. L. 108–311 applicable to taxable years beginning after , see section 208 of Pub. L. 108–311, set out as a note under section 2 of this title.
Pub. L. 108–311, title III, § 322(c), , 118 Stat. 1183, provided that:
“The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect on
January 1, 2004.”
Amendment by Pub. L. 108–173 applicable to taxable years beginning after , see section 1201(k) of Pub. L. 108–173, set out as a note under section 62 of this title.
Pub. L. 107–147, title VI, § 612(c), , 116 Stat. 61, provided that:
“The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect on
January 1, 2002.”
Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title II, § 201(c)], , 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–628, provided that:
“The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [
Dec. 21, 2000].”
Amendment by Pub. L. 105–34 effective as if included in the provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104–191, to which such amendment relates, see section 1602(i) of Pub. L. 105–34, set out as a note under section 26 of this title.
Amendment by Pub. L. 105–33 applicable to taxable years beginning after , see section 4006(c) of Pub. L. 105–33, set out as an Effective Date note under section 138 of this title.
Section applicable to taxable years beginning after , see section 301(j) of Pub. L. 104–191, set out as an Effective Date of 1996 Amendment note under section 62 of this title.
Pub. L. 109–432, div. A, title I, § 117(c), , 120 Stat. 2942, provided that:
- “(1) The report required by section 220(j)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to be made on , or , as the case may be, shall be treated as timely if made before the close of the 90-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [].
- “(2) The determination and publication required by section 220(j)(5) of such Code with respect to calendar year 2005 or calendar year 2006, as the case may be, shall be treated as timely if made before the close of the 120-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act. If the determination under the preceding sentence is that 2005 or 2006 is a cut-off year under section 220(i) of such Code, the cut-off date under such section 220(i) shall be the last day of such 120-day period.”
Pub. L. 108–311, title III, § 322(d), , 118 Stat. 1183, provided that:
- “(1) The report required by section 220(j)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to be made on , shall be treated as timely if made before the close of the 90-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [].
- “(2) The determination and publication required by section 220(j)(5) of such Code with respect to calendar year 2004 shall be treated as timely if made before the close of the 120-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act. If the determination under the preceding sentence is that 2004 is a cut-off year under section 220(i) of such Code, the cut-off date under such section 220(i) shall be the last day of such 120-day period.”
Pub. L. 104–191, title III, § 301(k), , 110 Stat. 2052, provided that:
“The Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate shall—
- “(1) during 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000, regularly evaluate the number of individuals who are maintaining medical savings accounts and the reduction in revenues to the United States by reason of such accounts, and
- “(2) provide such reports of such evaluations to Congress as such Secretary determines appropriate.”
Pub. L. 104–191, title III, § 301(l), , 110 Stat. 2052, provided that:
“The Comptroller General of the United States shall enter into a contract with an organization with expertise in health economics, health insurance markets, and actuarial science to conduct a comprehensive study regarding the effects of medical savings accounts in the small group market on—
- “(1) selection, including adverse selection,
- “(2) health costs, including any impact on premiums of individuals with comprehensive coverage,
- “(3) use of preventive care,
- “(4) consumer choice,
- “(5) the scope of coverage of high deductible plans purchased in conjunction with such accounts, and
- “(6) other relevant items.
A report on the results of the study conducted under this subsection shall be submitted to the Congress no later than .”
1 See Amendment of Subsection (f)(7) note below.