IRS Announces Pension Plan Limits for 2009 and Social Security Announces 2009 Wage Base
October 20, 2008
On October 16, the IRS announced the various adjustments applicable to retirement plan contribution limits for 2009.
The tables below reflect the current contribution limitations for 457 and 401 plans for 2008 as well as the new limits for 2009.
457 Plan Limitations
| Limitations | 2009 Limit | 2008 Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Deferral Limit for 457 Plans | $16,500 | $15,500 |
| “Pre-Retirement” Catch-Up Limit | $16,500 | $15,500 |
| “Age 50” Catch-Up Limit | $5,500 | $5,000 |
401 Plan Limitations
| Limitations | 2009 Limit | 2008 Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 401 Defined Contribution Plans — Annual Additions (§415(c)(1)(A)) | $49,000 | $46,000 |
| 401 Defined Benefit Plans — Maximum Annual Benefit* (§415(b)(1)(A)) | $195,000 | $185,000 |
| 401 Annual Compensation Limit** (non-grandfather/grandfather) (§401(a)(17)) | $245,000 $360,000 | $230,000 $345,000 |
| Annual Deferral Limit for §401(k) Plans (§402(g)) | $16,500 | $15,500 |
| 401(k) “Age 50” Catch-Up (§414(v)) | $5,500 | $5,000 |
* Special limitations apply to defined benefit plans. Please contact your defined benefit plan administrator should you require additional information.
** OBRA 1993 provided a governmental exception for the maximum compensation limit that grandfathers certain employees under the 1993 compensation limit of $235,840. Employees eligible to participate in a governmental plan, utilizing the ICMA-RC plan document, prior to January 1, 1994, are subject to the maximum compensation limit of $235,840 as indexed and shown above as the "grandfather" limit. Employees eligible to participate in a governmental plan, utilizing the ICMA-RC plan document, after January 1, 1994, are subject to the maximum compensation limit of $150,000 as indexed and shown above as "non-grandfather" limit.
View the IRS announcement of contribution limits for 2009
2009 Social Security Wage Base
Also, the Social Security Administration announced 2009 Social Security wage base cost of living adjustments:
- Social Security (OASDI) 2009 wage base: $106,800
- Maximum OASDI tax: : $6,621.60 (6.2% of $106,800)
- Medicare (HI) 2009 wage base: No limit
Note: If you are not participating in the Social Security system, OASDI information will not apply to you.