IRS Announces 2025 Retirement Plan Limits

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently announced the 2025 cost-of-living adjustments to various benefit and contribution limits applicable to retirement plans. The IRS modestly increased the applicable limits for 2025. The following limits apply to retirement plans in 2025:

  • The limit on elective deferrals under 401(k), 403(b) and eligible 457(b) plans increased to $23,500.
  • The limit on catch-up contributions by participants aged 50 or older did not change and remains at $7,500. This means that the maximum amount of elective deferral contributions for those participants in 2025 is $31,000.
  • The enhanced catch-up contribution limit for those ages 60-63 in 2025 is $11,250. This means that the maximum amount of elective deferral contributions for these participants in 2025 is $34,750.
  • The Internal Revenue Code (Code) Section 415 annual addition limit is increased to $70,000 for 401(k) and other defined contribution plans, and the annual benefit limit is increased to $280,000 for defined benefit plans.
  • The limit on the annual compensation that can be taken into account by qualified plans under Code Section 417 is increased to $350,000.
  • The dollar level threshold for becoming a highly compensated employee under Code Section 414(q) increased to $160,000 (which, under the look-back rule, applies to HCE determinations in 2026 based on compensation paid in 2025).
  • The dollar level threshold for becoming a “key employee” in a top-heavy plan under Code Section 416(i)(1) is increased to $230,000.

Continue reading “IRS Announces 2025 Retirement Plan Limits”

IRS Announces 2023 Retirement Plan Limits

 The IRS recently announced the 2023 cost-of-living adjustments to various benefit and contribution limits applicable to retirement plans. The IRS significantly increased the applicable limits for 2023 due to the high rate of inflation in 2022. The following limits apply to retirement plans in 2023:

  • The limit on elective deferrals under 401(k), 403(b), and eligible 457(b) plans increased to $22,500.
  • The limit on additional catch-up contributions by participants age 50 or older increased to $7,500. This means that the maximum amount of elective deferral contributions for those participants in 2023 is $30,000.
  • The Internal Revenue Code (“Code”) Section 415 annual addition limit is increased to $66,000 for 401(k) and other defined contribution plans, and the annual benefit limit is increased to $265,000 for defined benefit plans.
  • The limit on the annual compensation that can be taken into account by qualified plans under Code Section 417 is increased to $330,000.
  • The dollar- level threshold for becoming a highly compensated employee under Code Section 414(q) increased to $150,000 (which, based on the look-back rule, is applicable for HCE determinations in 2024 based on compensation in 2023).
  • The dollar- level threshold for becoming a “key employee” in a top-heavy plan under Code Section 416(i)(1) is increased to $215,000.

Continue reading “IRS Announces 2023 Retirement Plan Limits”

IRS Announces 2022 Cost-of-Living Adjustments for Retirement Plans

The IRS recently announced the 2022 cost-of-living adjustments to various benefit and contribution limits applicable to retirement plans. Generally, the IRS increased the applicable limits for 2022, although certain limits remained unchanged. The following limits apply to retirement plans in 2022:

  • The limit on elective deferrals under 401(k), 403(b), and eligible 457(b) plans increased to $20,500.
  • The limit on additional catch-up contributions by participants age 50 or older remains unchanged at $6,500. This means that the maximum amount of elective deferral contributions for those participants in 2022 is $27,000.
  • The Internal Revenue Code (“Code”) Section 415 annual addition limit is increased to $61,000 for 401(k) and other defined contribution plans, and the annual benefit limit is increased to $245,000 for defined benefit plans.
  • The limit on the annual compensation that can be taken into account by qualified plans under Code Section 417 is increased to $305,000.
  • The dollar level threshold for becoming a highly compensated employee under Code Section 414(q) increased to $135,000 (which based on the look-back rule is applicable for HCE determinations in 2023 based on compensation in 2022).
  • The dollar level threshold for becoming a “key employee” in a top-heavy plan under Code Section 416(i)(1) is increased to $200,000.

Continue reading “IRS Announces 2022 Cost-of-Living Adjustments for Retirement Plans”

IRS Announces 2021 Dollar Limits for Employee Benefits Plans

The IRS has announced the dollar limits for contributions and benefits in retirement plans and certain deferred compensation plans for 2021. We have compiled a chart summarizing the key limits below, including how they compare with those in the previous year. Plan sponsors should confirm with their recordkeepers that all systems have been updated to reflect the 2021 limits.

©2024 Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP. All Rights Reserved. Attorney Advertising.
Privacy Policy