On October 16, 2008, the Internal Revenue Service announced the 2009 cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to dollar limitations applicable to retirement plans. The following is a chart comparing the 2008 and new 2009 limits:

 

2008

2009

Defined Contribution Plan Dollar Limit

IRC § 415(c)(1)(A)

$46,000

$49,000

Elective Deferral Limit 401(k)/403(b)

IRC § 402(g)(1)

$15,500

$16,500

"Catch-Up" Limit 401(k)

IRC § 414(v)(2)(B)(i)

$5,000

$5,500

Annual Compensation Limit

IRC §§ 401(a)(17), 404(l), 408(k)(3)(C)

$230,000

$245,000

HCE Compensation

IRC § 414(q)(1)(B)

$105,000

$110,000

Key Employee Officer Compensation

IRC § 416(i)(1)(A)(i)

$150,000

$160,000

SEP Minimum Compensation

IRC § 408(k)(2)(C)

$500

$550

SIMPLE Employee Deferral Limit

IRC § 408(p)(2)(E)

$10,500

$11,500

SIMPLE "Catch-Up" Deferral Limit

IRC § 414(v)(2)(B)(ii)

$2,500

$2,500

Maximum ESOP Balance (5 Year Rule)

IRC § 409(o)(1)(C)(ii)

$935,000

$985,000

Additional Amount - ESOP 5 Year Rule

IRC § 409(o)(1)(C)(ii)

$185,000

$195,000

Social Security Taxable Wage Base

IRC § 3121(a)

$102,000

$106,800

This article is presented for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.