What is Form 8853?
Form 8853 is a tax document essential for reporting transactions linked to Archer Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs) and long-term care insurance contracts. This form allows you to report contributions to your Archer MSA, including those made by your employer, calculate deductions for these contributions, and report distributions from both Archer MSAs and Medicare Advantage MSAs. Additionally, it helps you report taxable payments from long-term care insurance contracts. Filling out Form 8853 accurately is crucial, as it can lead to deductions that lower your taxable income related to medical savings and long-term care expenses.What is Form 8853 used for?
Form 8853 is important for managing your health savings and insurance. Here’s what it’s used for:
- Report Archer MSA contributions (including employer contributions)
- Calculate the Archer MSA deduction
- Report distributions from Archer MSAs or Medicare Advantage MSAs
- Report taxable payments from long-term care (LTC) insurance contracts
- Report taxable accelerated death benefits from a life insurance policy
How to fill out Form 8853?
- 1
Enter your name and Social Security Number (SSN) as shown on your tax return.
- 2
Report contributions in Section A, including employer contributions, and calculate the deduction.
- 3
List any distributions received in Section B under Medicare Advantage MSA Distributions.
- 4
Record taxable payments or accelerated death benefits in Section C for Long-term Care Insurance Contracts.
- 5
Ensure to file this form with Form 1040, 1040-SR, or 1040-NR, even with no taxable income.
Who is required to fill out Form 8853?
Form 8853 must be completed by individuals or employers contributing to Archer MSAs, those receiving distributions from these accounts, or those receiving taxable payments from long-term care insurance or accelerated death benefits.
This form is required for self-employed individuals, employees of small businesses with high-deductible health plans, and those acquiring interest in MSAs due to the death of the account holder.



