This table describes the 401(k) contribution limits in as simple of terms as possible.
2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IF YOU'RE UNDER 50 | |||||
| 401(k) Contribution Limits (Elective Deferrals) | $16,500 | $16,500 | $16,500 | $17,000 | $17,500 |
| Total Contribution Limits (The maximum that can be contributed to your 401(k) in one year including employer contributions, matching etc) | $49,000 | $49,000 | $49,000 | $50,000 | $51,000 |
| IF YOU'RE 50+ | |||||
| 401k Contribution Limits (Elective Deferrals) | $16,500 | $16,500 | $16,500 | $17,000 | $17,500 |
| Catch up contribution (if over 50) | $5,500 | $5,500 | $5,500 | $5,500 | $5,500 |
| Total 401k Contribution Limit (if over 50) | $22,000 | $22,000 | $22,000 | $22,500 | $23,000 |
| Total Contribution Limit (The maximum that can be contributed to your 401(k) in one year including employer contributions and catch-up contributions) | $54,500 | $54,500 | $54,500 | $55,000 | $55,000 |
| OTHER LIMITS: | |||||
| Employee Compensation Limit (Maximum income that can be used for determining matching contributions) | $245,000 | $245,000 | $245,000 | $250,000 | $255,000 |
| Highly Compensated Employee Threshold (For plan discrimination testing) | $110,000 | $110,000 | $110,000 | $115,000 | $115,000 |
Source: IRS 401(k) Resource Guide; IRS Cola Tables