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DCFSA Guide
Turn caregiving into tax savings
Keep more of your hard-earned money. Plan your spending, know the rules and unlock amazing tax savings.
What is a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account?
DCFSAs are tax-advantaged accounts that let you use pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible dependent care expenses. A qualifying ‘dependent’ may be a child under age 13, a disabled spouse, or an older parent in eldercare.
Benefits built for mobile.
Faster access, stronger security, and more convenient than logging in online. DCFSAs use either HealthEquity Mobile or EZ Receipts Mobile—depending on your plan.
EZ Receipts Mobile app
Bring your benefits with you.
Already enrolled? Please set up your account online before using the app.
Am I eligible for a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account?
Eligibility requires a DCFSA offered through your employer. DCFSAs can be combined with a standard FSA or an HSA. DCFSAs do not impact HSA eligibility.
Five DCFSA rules you need to knowHow do I sign up?
You can sign up for a DCFSA during your organization’s annual enrollment period.
Plan your spending
It pays to be strategic.
Pay for dependent care expenses
Babysitter
Daycare
Preschool
Summer Day Camp
Before or After School Programs
Elder Day Care
Your savings can add up fast
Here’s an example based on $4,500 annual spending and a 30 percent effective tax rate.
Daycare
$300/mo.
+
Summer camp
$500
+
After school program
$50/mo.
Annual tax savings3
$1,350
DCFSA Savings Calculator
Discover the full power of your DCFSA. Just input your planned spending and watch the savings add up.
Calculate my DCFSA tax savingsMake your elections
Once you choose an annual contribution, your employer will deduct that amount pre-tax in equal parts from each paycheck. DCFSA funds are made available only as money is added to the account.
DCFSA Annual Contribution Limit
Tax year | Individual and family limit4 |
|---|---|
2025 | $5,000 |
2026 | $7,500 |
Know the rules
Don’t get caught by surprise. Carefully review your open enrollment materials.
Timing matters
You only have one year to spend your DCFSA money. Unused funds are forfeited to your employer—usually at the end of the plan year.
Five DCFSA rules you need to knowGrace period
Some organizations offer an additional 2 ½ months to spend DCFSA funds at the end of the year. Note that grace periods vary by plan design. Confirm with your employer the rules for your plan.
Limited election period
Elections can only be made during open enrollment unless you have a qualifying life event,5 which may include changes to:
Employment status (Including medical leave)
Marital status
Number of dependents
Daycare closures
No double-dipping
You can’t get reimbursed twice for the same expense (example: reimbursement + deduction from tax returns).
We make it easy to get reimbursed:
Pay for your products or services
Upload your receipts online or in the mobile app
Choose reimbursement by check or have funds deposited directly into your bank account
Want more?
Check out these additional resources.
DCFSA webinar
Check out our webinar to discover what expenses are covered and strategies to maximize your annual savings.
WebinarExplore other FSA types
LPFSA
Limited Purpose Flexible Spending AccountComplement your HSA and save more on dental and vision.
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3The example used is for illustrative purposes only; actual savings may vary. The figure is based on average tax rates, including state, federal and FICA taxes.Return to content
4If Married Filing Separately your limit is $2,500.Return to content
5Please refer to your plan documents for more information.Return to content
HealthEquity does not provide legal, tax or financial advice. Always consult a professional when making life-changing decisions.
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