Yes, in many cases you’ll need to submit receipts or other documentation to prove that your FSA (Flexible Spending Account) was used for an eligible expense—especially if you’re reimbursing yourself or using an FSA debit card.
🔹 If You Use Your FSA Debit Card:
-
Some transactions are automatically verified at checkout, especially at pharmacies and medical providers with the right merchant codes.
-
But not all expenses are auto-approved. If a transaction isn’t clearly eligible, your FSA administrator may request receipts or documentation to “substantiate” the expense.
-
If you don’t provide the required proof in time, your FSA card may be suspended, and you might have to repay the amount or submit alternate documentation.
🔹 If You Submit a Manual Claim:
-
You’ll almost always need to include a detailed receipt or Explanation of Benefits (EOB) that shows:
-
Date of service or purchase
-
Name of provider or merchant
-
Description of the item or service
-
Name of the person receiving care (if applicable)
-
Amount paid
-
Credit card statements or canceled checks aren’t enough—they don’t show what was purchased.
⏳ How Long Do I Have to Submit Receipts?
Most FSA plans give you a “run-out period” after the plan year ends (typically 60 to 90 days) to submit claims for expenses that occurred during the plan year. If your employer offers a grace period or carryover, that may affect the timeline—so be sure to check your specific plan details.
🚫 What If I Don’t Submit Documentation?
If you fail to provide documentation when it’s required:
-
The card transaction may be reversed, and you’ll owe the money back
-
Your FSA debit card may be frozen until the issue is resolved
-
In some cases, your employer may deduct the unpaid amount from your paycheck
Best practice: Save all receipts and EOBs as you go, even if your card seems to work automatically. Many FSA providers offer mobile apps where you can upload documentation immediately after making a purchase.