Would this be unethical?

[shortstax]

I have a FSA for healthcare expenses. Luckily, I haven't used much of it this year (just a few copays and bcp's.)

Here's my question---I see on the "qualifying expenses" list that all breastfeeding materials or supplies would be included.

I have a friend who's registered for a variety of BF materials for her baby shower. If I bought that as a gift and then sent in the receipt to be reimbursed by my SFA, is that ethical since it's not for my personal use?

Thoughts?

[pamela]

Not just unethical, illegal by tax code.

[jlt19]

IMO, not really. It's your money, right? Just not taxed money? (I'm not overly familiar with FSA's). And don't you lose it if you dont' use it? If all those are yes's, I'd do it. But if your employer puts $ in there, I wouldn't.

I don't see it as much different than people using Amazon to not have to pay taxes.

[shortstax]

That's what I needed to hear. I figured it was not possible, because it seemed like such an easy way to spend additional money at the end of the year.

Thanks!

[shortstax]

May 17, 2012 9:27:59 GMT -5 shortstax said:

That's what I needed to hear. I figured it was not possible, because it seemed like such an easy way to spend additional money at the end of the year.

Thanks!

PS - this was supposed to quote Pamela.

[jlt19]

May 17, 2012 9:26:53 GMT -5 pamela said:

Not just unethical, illegal by tax code.

See, I obvioulsy know very little about FSAs!

[dr.girlfriend]

Yes, I'm doing my open enrollment now and when I enter my Healthcare FSA stuff I get a little warning that says in doing so I promise to only use it for myself or covered dependents.

[luvmagoldn]

May 17, 2012 9:51:23 GMT -5 gravytrain225 said:

In general, if you have to ask if something is unethical, I think you know the answer to the question.

:Y:

[formerlyak]

Check the terms of your FSA. I know the one at my company you can carry over from year to year -- it's not "use it or lose it" like the dependent care flex account. If that's the case, not biggie if you aren't using it this year, because if you need dental work or surgery or something like that next year, you have the $$.

My old FSA was use it or lose it, so in December of each year if I hadn't spent it all, I'd go get new glasses so I always had a spare pair.

[Deleted]

May 17, 2012 9:27:15 GMT -5 jlt19 said:

It's your money, right? Just not taxed money?

The irony with these two sentences being side-by-side is kind of funny.