Which of the following is considered a qualifying life event for changes in an FSA?

A qualifying life event refers to significant changes in personal circumstances that allow individuals to make adjustments to their benefits, including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). A change in legal marital status, such as marriage or divorce, is a well-established example of a qualifying life event. This is because such changes can influence an individual's or family’s healthcare coverage needs, often necessitating modifications to benefit elections to accommodate new family dynamics.

Changes in legal marital status can affect eligibility for health plans, tax implications, and the overall financial considerations of both partners. When individuals experience such changes, it is essential for them to review and potentially alter their FSA contributions to reflect their new status effectively.

Promotions, salary changes, and job relocations, while significant, do not typically meet the criteria for qualifying life events under IRS regulations governing FSAs. These changes might affect an individual's financial situation but do not inherently alter their eligibility or coverage options in the way marital status changes do. Hence, it is legal marital status that serves as the qualifying life event in this context.