2021 Dependent care FSA limit
The exclusion limit for employer-provided dependent care assistance.
Primary reference value
$10,500| Parameter | Amount |
|---|---|
| Single or joint | $10,500 |
| Married filing separately | 525,000.00% |
- Announced
- Not recorded; see primary document
- Effective
- 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31
- Next usual release
- Legislation
Who this applies to.
The limit includes both employer and employee benefits. Plan limits, earned income, qualifying-person and work-related-expense rules can lower the exclusion.
Published by IRS / Congress. The table uses tax year dates. Check the source for eligibility, elections and exceptions.
Use the 2021 number.
A numerical comparison does not establish eligibility, deductions, credit entitlement or tax liability. Read the selected number’s rules.
Dependent care FSA limit history.
| Year | Reference value | Change | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $10,500 | — | Official |
| 2022 | $5,000 | −$5,500 | Official |
| 2023 | $5,000 | +$0 | Official |
| 2024 | $5,000 | +$0 | Official |
| 2025 | $5,000 | +$0 | Official |
| 2026 | $7,500 | +$2,500 | Official |
| 2027 | $7,500 | +$0 | Official |
History compares the primary reference value; use each year’s full table for other filing statuses, regions or limits.
Questions about dependent care fsa limit.
What is the 2021 dependent care fsa limit?
The sourced table above shows the 2021 values. Its status is official. The primary reference is $10,500; other statuses or categories may differ.
When will the next number be announced?
The usual publication window is Legislation. This is a typical schedule, not a promised date. The calendar distinguishes published values from pending releases.
Is this official or projected?
The displayed 2021 record is official. Official means a primary agency document or statute supports the value. A projection states its formula, inflation data and assumptions and changes when an official source becomes available.
How does it compare with last year?
Use the history and prior-year page for verified comparisons. Each table should be compared using the same filing status, region and effective period.
Can I use the calculator without an account?
Yes. Submit the form to get a server-calculated estimate, including when JavaScript is off. Inputs are not stored in the application cache or sent to analytics. Result URLs include the inputs, so avoid sharing them if the figures are private.