Various employee plan benefit and contribution limitations are subject to cost of living adjustments.  The Internal Revenue Service has released the new limits, which are effective as of January 1, 2015.

COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENTS FOR QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLANS

Various employee plan benefit and contribution limitations are subject to annual cost of living adjustments.

Effective as of January 1 in each respective year, the cost of living increases in the dollar limitations on pension plan benefits and contributions are as follows:

Code Sec. 402(g)(1) – 401(k) plan elective deferrals

Code Sec. 457(e)(15) – Government and tax-exempt organizations elective deferrals:

• 2013 – $17,500 (Catch-up contribution for 50 or older – $5,500 additional)
• 2014 – $17,500 (Catch-up contribution for 50 or older – $5,500 additional)
• 2015 – $18,000 (Catch-up contribution for 50 or older – $6,000 additional)

Code Sec. 415(b)(1)(A) – Maximum annual benefit on defined benefit plans:

• 2013 – $205,000
• 2014 – $210,000
• 2015 – $210,000

Code Sec. 415(c)(1)(A) – Maximum contribution for defined contribution plans:

• 2013 – $51,000
• 2014 – $52,000
• 2015 – $53,000

Code Sec. 401(a)(17) – Annual compensation limit for plans

Code Sec. 404(l) – Annual compensation limit for employer limit

Code Sec. 408(k)(3)(C) – SEP compensation limits:

• 2013 – $255,000
• 2014 – $260,000
• 2015 – $265,000

Code Sec. 408(k)(2)(C) – Maximum wage exclusion under SEP plans:

• 2013 – $550
• 2014 – $550
• 2015 – $600

Code Sec. 414(q) – Definition of highly compensated employee – compensation in excess of:

• 2013 – $115,000
• 2014 – $115,000
• 2015 – $120,000

Code Sec. 408(p)(2)(E) – SIMPLE IRA or SIMPLE 401(k) plans elective deferrals:

• 2013 – $12,000  (Catch-up contribution for 50 or older – $2,500 additional)
• 2014 – $12,000  (Catch-up contribution for 50 or older – $2,500 additional)
• 2015 – $12,500  (Catch-up contribution for 50 or older – $3,000 additional)

HIGHLY COMPENSATED EMPLOYEE

Section 414(q) – The term “highly compensated employee” for the 2015 year means any employee who performs services for the employer during the current year and:

1. Was a 5-percent owner at any time during the current year or preceding year.

OR

2. Received compensation in excess of $115,000 for the preceding year and, if the employer so elects, was in the top paid group, consisting of the top 20 percent, of the employees in the preceding year.

KEY EMPLOYEE

Section 416(i) – The term “key employee” means an employee who, at any time during the plan year, is:

1. An officer of the employer having an annual compensation greater than:

• 2013 – $165,000
• 2014 – $170,000
• 2015 – $170,000

OR

2. A 5-percent owner of the employer, or a 1-percent owner of the employer having an annual compensation from the employer of more than $150,000.

 

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