Last week the IRS announced the 2010 cost-of-living adjustments applicable to various dollar limits for retirement plans. All of these limits will remain unchanged in 2010. The annual limit for elective deferrals will remain $16,500 and for catch-up contributions for individuals age 50 or over $5,500.
Limitations that are adjusted by reference to Section 415(d) remain unchanged for 2010 because the cost-of-living index for the quarter ending September 30, 2009, is less than the cost-of-living index for the quarter ending September 30, 2008. The Social Security Act procedures for adjusting benefit amounts state that any decline in the applicable index cannot result in a reduced limitation. The Social Security Administration also recently announced that the Social Security wage base will remain at $106,800 for 2010.
Below are the principal limits applicable for 2010.
Limit |
2010 |
Compensation Limit |
$245,000 |
401(k) Deferrals |
$16,500 |
401(k) Catch-up Contributions |
$5,500 |
Defined Contribution 415 Limit |
$49,000 |
Defined Benefit 415 Limit |
$195,000 |
Highly Compensated Employee |
$110,000 |
Social Security Taxable Wage Base |
$106,800 |