The IRS recently announced the cost-of-living adjustments applicable to certain dollar limitations for employee pension benefit plans for 2019. The resulting dollar limits are as follows:
- The annual benefit limit for defined benefit plans is increased from $220,000 to $225,000.
- The annual addition limit for defined contribution plans is increased from $55,000 to $56,000.
- The annual limit with respect to the exclusion for elective deferrals to a 401(k), 403(b) or 457 plan is increased from $18,500 to $19,000.
- The limit on annual contributions to an individual retirement arrangement (IRA) is increased from $5,500 to $6,000. The dollar limit for an additional catch-up contribution to an IRA for individuals age 50 or older remains unchanged at $1,000.
- The annual limit on compensation that can be taken into account under a qualified retirement plan is increased from $275,000 to $280,000.
- The dollar limit for determining key employees in a top-heavy plan is increased from $175,000 to $180,000.
- The dollar amount for determining the maximum account balance in an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) subject to a five-year distribution period is increased from $1.105 million to $1.130 million. The dollar amount used to determine the lengthening of the five-year distribution period is increased from $220,000 to $225,000.
- The dollar limit for catch-up contributions for 401(k) plans for individuals age 50 or older remains unchanged at $6,000. In addition, the dollar limit under SIMPLE plans and SIMPLE IRAs for catch-up contributions for participants who are age 50 or older remains unchanged at $3,000.
- The limitation used in the definition of "highly compensated employee" is increased from $120,000 to $125,000.
A complete list of applicable pension plan limitations can be found here.
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