401k Contribution Limits

There are certain guidelines issued by IRS from time to time regarding the specific limits on the amount that is to be saved and contributed to one’s 401K plan every year. In addition the IRS fixes on the highest range of pre-tax amount that is required to be contributed in 401K plan. It was in 2005, that the range of $14,000 (extreme limit) by way of pre-tax contributions was made to plans sponsored by employers. As against this, in the year 2006 the largest pre-tax contribution limit of $15,000 was set. All above contributions were the result of decisions passed under the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001.

There are several other provisions as well like if one is working two employers simultaneously there is other IRS pre-tax limit for that particular year as well. For the 401K account contribution, the IRS has set up the maximum range for the aggregated sum from all the various sources. Thus under this, both the employer matching contributions and employee after-tax contributions are included.

There are special provisions for catch-up contributions as well, like in case one is 50years older or more, the catch-up contributions for him are different like in the year 2005, the additional excess catch-up contribution was $4000 and in the next year it was 1000 dollars extra means $5000. However after 2006 on these contributions were changed, now from 2006 on the limits to these contributions are subjected to the cost of living adjustments which is also called “COLA.” It is worth to note that in the scenario where if the employees pre-tax contribution is not more than the contribution limit as per the plan or even dollar limit calculated annually of IRS in a particular calendar year , then total or part of all the employee’s catch-up contribution would be taken as the regular and normal pre-tax contribution. All these contribution limits are set up keeping in mind that no discrimination can be made by the employers for their employees who are earning much.

If you are worried about your retirement and you are thinking about how it would be possible for you to enjoy your retirement days, the best solution is to plan for your retirement. What all is required is that you should start planning your retirement since the very beginning as only you would be able to have a huge accumulation of money for your retirement. There are many ways by which you could save money for your retirement but the best way is to go for 401K contributions.