what is a flexible spending account fsa 
a flexible spending account fsa is a type of savings account that provides the account holder with specific tax advantages an fsa is sometimes called a flexible spending arrangement and can be established by an employer for employees the account allows you to contribute a portion of your regular earnings before tax employers also can contribute to employees fsas distributions from the account must be used to reimburse the employee for qualified expenses related to medical and dental services 1another type of fsa is a dependent care flexible spending account which is used to pay for childcare expenses for children age 12 and under and also can be used to pay for the care of qualifying adults including a spouse who can t care for themselves and meet specific internal revenue service irs guidelines a dependent care fsa has different maximum contribution rules than a medical related fsa 2