On November 1, 2018, the Internal Revenue Service announced the cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) that will take effect January 1, 2019 (IRS Notice 2018-83). These COLAs affect various contribution and deduction limits for qualified retirement plans, as well as the deductible contribution limits for traditional Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs).
Internal Revenue Code Section 415(d) requires that the Secretary of the Treasury annually adjust these limits for cost-of-living increases. These adjustment procedures are similar to those used to adjust benefit amounts under IRC Section 215(i)(2)(A) or the Social Security Act.
Some limitations increased, while others remain unchanged from the 2018 limits. The more common limitations are summarized below, along with the applicable Code Section and/or Treasury Regulations Section (Regs).
Increased Limits
- The annual deferral limit for 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan increases from $18,500 to $19,000 (Code Sections 402(g)(1),402(g)(3)).
- The annual contribution limitation for defined contribution plans increases from $55,000 to $56,000 (Code Section (415(c)(1)(A)).
- The annual maximum considered compensation limit increases from $275,000 to $280,000 (Code Sections 401(a)(17), 404(l),408(k)(3)(C) and 408(k)(6)(D)(ii)).
- The annual deferral limit for deferred compensation plans of state and local governments, and tax-exempt organizations increases from $18,000 to $18,500 (Code Section 457(e)(15)).
- The limitation on the annual benefit under a defined benefit plan increases from $220,000 to $225,000. (Code Section 415(b)(1)(A)).
- The dollar limitation for determining the maximum account balance in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), subject to a five-year distribution period, increases from $1,105,000 to $1,130,000; and the dollar amount used to determine the lengthening of the five-year distribution period increases from $220,000 to $225,000 (Code Section 409(o)(1)(C)(ii)).
- The annual “look-back” compensation income limit for purposes of the definition of “Highly Compensated Employee” increases from $120,000 to $125,000 (Code Section 414(q)(1)(B)).
- The annual compensation threshold for purposes of the definition of “Key Employee” increases from $175,000 to $180,000 (Code Section 416(i)(1)(A)(i)).
- The annual deferral limitation for SIMPLE retirement accounts increases from $12,500 to $13,000 (Code Section 408(p)(2)(E)).
- The maximum amount that can be contributed to an IRA increases from $5,500 to $6,000 (Code Section 219(b)(5)(A)).
- The Social Security Taxable Wage Base increases from $128,400 to $132,900.
Unchanged Limits
- The maximum amount of catch-up contributions that individuals age 50 or over may make to 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, SEPs and governmental 457(b) plans remains at $6,000 (Code Section 414(v)(2)(B)(i)).
- The IRA catch-up contribution limit for IRAs remains unchanged at $1,000 (Code Section 219(b)(5)(A)).
- The dollar limitation on premiums paid with respect to a Qualifying Longevity Annuity Contract (QLAC) remains at $130,000. (Code Section 1.401(a)(9)-6 and Regs. Section A-17(b)(2)(ii)).
- The limitation concerning the qualified gratuitous transfer of qualified employer securities to an ESOP remains at $50,000 (Code Section 664(g)(7)).
- The maximum amount of catch-up contributions that individuals age 50 or over may make to SIMPLE 401(k) plans or SIMPLE retirement accounts remains at $3,000 (Code Section 414(v)(2)(B)(ii)).
- The compensation threshold for simplified employee pensions (SEPs) remains at $600 (Code Section 408(k)(2)(C)).
Quick reference guide to key limitations for 2018 and 2019:
Item 2018 Limit 2019 Limit
401(k)/403(b)/457 $18,500 $19,000
Elective Deferral Limit
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Defined Contribution Plan $55,000 $56,000
Annual Limit
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Defined Benefit Plan $220,000 $225,000
Annual Limit
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Annual Compensation Limit $275,000 $280,000
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Catch-Up Contribution Limit $ 6,000 $ 6,000
401(k)/403(b)/457(b)/SEP
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Highly Compensated Employee $120,000 $125,000
Compensation Threshold
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Key Employee $175,000 $180,000
Compensation Threshold
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Social Security Taxable $128,400 $132,900
Wage Base
