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The Daily Insight

Are Section 125 plans Pretax?

Author

Henry Morales

Published Mar 26, 2026

In a section 125 plan or cafeteria plan, employees can pay qualified medical, dental, or dependent-care expenses on a pretax basis, which has the effect of reducing their taxable income as well as their employer’s Social Security (FICA) liability, federal income and unemployment taxes, and state unemployment taxes …

What is pre-tax health 125?

In order to allow your employees to pay health insurance premiums on a pre-tax basis, you need to have what is referred to as a Section 125 Plan, in place. In the context of Section 125, “pre-tax” means that a deduction is exempt from Federal Income Tax Withholding, Social Security and Medicare Taxes.

What is a 125 plan document?

A cafeteria plan, also known as a section 125 plan, is a written plan that offers employees a choice between receiving their compensation in cash or as part of an employee benefit. Employee contributions toward cafeteria-plan benefits are made pre-tax.

Is health insurance a Section 125 plan?

It’s important to note that a Section 125 Cafeteria Plan does not provide health insurance. Instead, it allows employees to use pre-tax money to choose and pay for the types of insurance coverages that are most meaningful to them.

Is health insurance pre-tax or post tax?

Medical insurance premiums are deducted from your pre-tax pay. This means that you are paying for your medical insurance before any of the federal, state, and other taxes are deducted.

What is a Section 125 Premium plan?

A Section 125 premium-only-plan (POP), is a cafeteria plan which allows employees to pay their health insurance premiums with tax-free dollars. Traditionally, POP plans have been used in combination with employer-sponsored group health insurance plans.

Is health insurance a section 125?

Do you need a section 125 premium only plan document?

Section 125 is part of the U. S. Code where the Treasury (IRS) lays out the rules for employers wanting to allow employees the option of pre-tax salary deductions to pay group health and related insurance premiums. The formal definition of a Section 125 plan to pre-tax benefits says:

What do you need to know about pretax health insurance?

Health Insurance Taxable Benefit. To offer you pretax health insurance, your employer must establish a plan that meets Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code; this type of plan is also called a cafeteria plan. Your employer must develop a written plan document that describes the benefits offered under the plan.

What does Section 125 employer health insurance plan do?

Employees could spend the contributions on qualified expenses including health insurance premiums, medical expenses, dependent care, medical supplies, and disability insurance. The Affordable Care Act made changes in IRS Sec. 125 plans including popular premium only plans (POP).

Do you need health insurance for a section 125 cafeteria plan?

It’s important to note that a Section 125 Cafeteria Plan does not provide health insurance. Instead, it allows employees to use pre-tax money to choose and pay for the types of insurance coverages that are most meaningful to them. To qualify as a Cafeteria Plan, the plan must include: