2013 retirement contribution limits

by | Dec 7, 2012 | Investing 101, Jeremy Burger

As we near the end of 2012, it’s time to start thinking about your finances for 2013. While some year-end planning might still be needed, it’s not too early to start thinking about next year. Many employers will start having their open enrollment periods over the next few weeks, and this is a great time to review your retirement plan contributions.

The new 2013 retirement contribution limits are as follows:

  • The elective deferral contribution limit for 401(k), 403(b) and most 457 plans increased to $17,500 from $17,000 in 2012.
  • The catch-up contribution limit for employees aged 50 and older into those same plans remains unchanged at $5,500 for 2013.
  • The maximum total contributions into a defined contribution plan rise to $51,000 for 2013 compared to $50,000 for 2012. For those aged 50 and older, the limit is $56,500.
  • If you participate in a Simple IRA plan, the salary reduction contribution limit increases to $12,000 in 2013, up from $11,500 in 2012. The catch-up contribution remains at $2,500.
  • The limit for IRA and Roth contributions increased to $5,500 from $5,000 in 2012. The catch-up contribution remains at $1,000 for 2013.
  • For traditional IRAs, there are a few different scenarios where different income limitations apply. These income limits increased from years prior and need to be looked at in more detail for each specific situation.
  • For Roth IRAs, the AGI phase out range is $178k-$188k for married couples filing jointly. For single and heads of households, the phase-out range is $112,000-$127,000.

If you’d like to learn more, you can read the IRS press release here.

Contribution limits for the 2012 tax year

by | Feb 22, 2012 | Investing 101, Phuc Dang

Each year, the IRS releases inflation-adjusted figures for key retirement contribution limits.  Some limits remain the same, while others may experience a slight increase.  Below are the contribution limits for 2012.  The “catch-up” limits apply to those 50 years or older.

2012 Contribution Limits

Traditional IRA$5,000
Traditional IRA with catch-up contribution$6,000
Roth IRA$5,000
Roth IRA with catch-up contribution$6,000
401(k)$17,000*
401(k) with catch-up contribution$22,500*
403(b)$17,000*
403(b) with catch-up contribution$22,500*
SIMPLE IRA employee contribution$11,500
SIMPLE IRA employee contribution with catch-up$14,000
SEP IRA$50,000* or 25% of employee salary (whichever is smaller)

*indicates a change from 2011 tax year limits.