The IRS and Social Security Administration recently announced the 2012 cost-of-living increases applicable to various dollar limits for retirement plans. Most of these limits will increase for 2012. The annual limit for elective deferrals will increase to $17,000, but the limit on catch-up contributions for individuals age 50 and over will remain at $5,500.

Below are the principal limits applicable for 2012 as compared with those for 2011.