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10.22.2015 Legal News

Benefit and Contribution Limits for 2016

The Commissioner of Internal Revenue announced yesterday that the dollar limitations for benefits and contributions that apply to retirement plans generally will not change for 2016 because the increase in the cost-of-living index did not trigger adjustments. In addition, the Social Security Administration did not increase the Social Security taxable wage base.  Increases for health savings accounts were announced this summer.  The following chart shows the 2016 limits and the similar limits for 2015.

Benefit Limits Under the Internal Revenue Code and Social Security

Description

2015 Limit

2016 Limit

Compensation Cap under 401(a)(17)

$265,000

$265,000

Elective Deferral Limitation under 402(g)(1) for elective deferrals for 401(k) plans, SEPs and 403(b) plans

$18,000

$18,000

Catch Up Contributions for Individuals Age 50 and Older

For SIMPLE IRAs or SIMPLE 401(k) plans

$6,000

$3,000

$6,000

$3,000

Defined Benefit Maximum

$210,000

$210,000

Defined Contribution Maximum

$53,000

$53,000

Highly Compensated Employee Compensation Limit

Key Employee in Top-Heavy Plans Compensation Limit

$120,000

$170,000

$120,000

$170,000

ESOP Threshold for determining maximum account balance subject to 5-year distribution period

Regular Limit
Additional amount to lengthen 5-year period

 

 
$1,070,000
$210,000

 


$1,070,000
$210,000

SEP Compensation Threshold for Participation

$600

$600

SIMPLE IRA Maximum Pre-Tax Contribution

$12,500

$12,500

Deferral Limit for Governments and Tax-Exempts (457(b))

$18,000

$18,000

IRA Maximum Deduction

IRA Age 50 Catch Up

$5,500

$1,000

$5,500

$1,000

Social Security Taxable Wage Base

  $118,500

 $118,500

Health Savings Account Maximum Contributions

Family Coverage
Single Coverage

 


$6,650
$3,350

 


$6,750
$3,350