Insights

2023 New Annual Limits for Retirement and Other Benefits

03.09.23

As a participant in a 401k plan, knowing the contribution limits at the beginning of the year allows you to adjust your contribution to allocate that increase throughout the year to maximize the limits. Remember, every time you put a dollar into a qualified plan on a pretax basis, it is one less dollar you are taxed at your top marginal tax bracket. This can be a significant tax benefit. Additionally, it’s important to understand how your company match benefit is calculated. Is it done each payroll? At the end of the year? It’s possible that if your company doesn’t true up match contributions, you could potentially miss out on match dollars by reaching the contribution limit too early in the year.

For small business owners, understanding the contribution and benefit limits is crucial in limiting tax liability. Recently, we were consulting with a small business owner who had experienced a significant increase in revenue in 2022. We suggested that he consider a new Cash Balance Plan (hybrid Defined Benefit) and increase  his compensation to the maximum limit.  Based on his age, he can defer nearly $700k into the cash balance plan. If he does not adjust his compensation, his maximum deferral will be $360k. That’s a significant tax savings.

This is a great example of why business owners should be working with an advisor who specializes in retirement plans.  MAI Capital’s Retirement division takes a customized approach to retirement plans, offering a complete and integrated platform that includes 401(k) services, fiduciary-based retirement plan consulting, and financial wellness programs for businesses, as well as tailored plans for individuals and families.

The chart below outlines the announced IRS figures for retirement plans and other benefits, effective January 1, 2023.

Annual Plan Limits2023202220212020
Maximum Considered Compensation$330,000$305,000$290,000$285,000

Limits on Benefits and Contributions

Defined Contribution Plans$66,000$61,000$58,000$57,000
Defined Benefit Plans$265,000$245,000$230,000$230,000
401(k), 403(b), and 457 plan elective deferrals$22,500$20,500$19,500$19,500
SIMPLE plan elective deferrals$15,500$14,000$13,500$13,500
IRA$6,500$6,000$6,000$6,000

Catch-Up Contributions

401(k), 403(b), and 457 plans$7,500$6,500$6,500$6,500
SIMPLE plans$3,500$3,000$3,000$3,000
IRA$1,000$1,000$1,000$1,000

Health Savings Accounts

Individual contribution limit$3,850$3,650$3,600$3,550
Family contribution limit$7,750$7,300$7,200$7,100
Catch-up contributions$1,000$1,000$1,000$1,000
Sources: IRS.gov and SHRM.org

Information updated as of 02.22.2023.

Please send your questions, comments and feedback to: info@mai.capital. The opinions and analyses expressed herein are subject to change at any time. Any suggestions contained herein are general, and do not take into account an individual’s or entity’s specific circumstances or applicable governing law, which may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and be subject to change. Distribution hereof does not constitute legal, tax, accounting, investment or other professional advice. Recipients should consult their professional advisors prior to acting on the information set forth herein. In accordance with certain Treasury Regulations, we inform you that any federal tax conclusions set forth in this communication, were not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used by any taxpayer, for the purposes of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by the Internal Revenue Service.

We look forward to learning about your financial goals.

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