December is a hectic time, but there's one tax task you can't
overlook in the holiday rush. If you have a medical flexible
savings account, or FSA, you need to check its balance and make
sure you don't end up wasting that money.  These workplace-
provided accounts are popular for a couple of reasons.  First,
you can use the account money to pay for items and services that
aren't covered by your health insurance.  Second, the saving
process also saves you tax dollars. You make FSA contributions
via regular, equal payroll deductions. The amounts are taken
from your paycheck before your withholding taxes are calculated,
so you owe a bit less in federal income and Social Security
taxes upfront.  But the accounts have one drawback. In many
instances, if you don't use the money by the end of your
benefits year, which for most people is Dec. 31, you'll lose it.
Check Your Deadline  In some cases, however, the year-end
deadline isn't firm. The Internal Revenue Service allows
employers to give FSA owners until March 1