Cost of Living Adjustments for 2023

November 8, 2022

Save even more for retirement in 2023 due to record breaking increases in limits. On October 21, 2022, the IRS announced the Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) affecting the dollar limitations for retirement plans for 2023. Retirement plan limits increased well over the 2022 limits, the largest increase in over 45 years. COLA increases are intended to allow participant contributions and benefits to keep up with the “cost of living” from year to year. Here are the highlights from the new 2023 limits:

  • The calendar year elective deferral limit increased from $20,500 to $22,500.
  • The elective deferral catch-up contribution increased from $6,500 to $7,500. This contribution is available to all participants aged 50 or older in 2023.
  • The maximum available dollar amount that can be contributed to a participant’s retirement account in a defined contribution plan increased from $61,000 to $66,000. The limit includes both employee and employer contributions as well as any allocated forfeitures. For those over age 50, the annual addition limit increases by $7,500 to include catch-up contributions.
  • The maximum amount of compensation that can be considered in retirement plan compliance has been raised from $305,000 to $330,000.
  • Annual income subject to Social Security taxation has increased from $147,000 to $160,200.
Annual Plan Limits202320222021
Contribution and Benefit Limits
Elective Deferral Limit$22,500$20,500$19,500
Catch-Up Contributions$7,500$6,500$6,500
Annual Contribution Limit$66,000$61,000$58,000
Annual Contribution Limit including Catch-Up Contributions$73,500$67,500$64,500
Annual Defined Benefit Limit$265,000$245,000$230,000
Compensation Limits
Maximum Plan Compensation$330,000$305,000$290,000
Income Subject to Social Security$160,200$147,000$142,800
Key EE Compensation Threshold$215,000$200,000$185,000
Highly Compensated EE Threshold$150,000$135,000$130,000
IRA Limits
SIMPLE Plan Elective Deferrals$15,500$14,000$13,500
SIMPLE Catch-Up Contributions$3,500$3,000$3,000
Individual Retirement Account (IRA)$6,500$6,000$6,000
IRA Catch-Up Contribution$1,000$1,000$1,000

This newsletter is intended to provide general information on matters of interest in the area of qualified retirement plans and is distributed with the understanding that the publisher and distributor are not rendering legal, tax or other professional advice. Readers should not act or rely on any information in this newsletter without first seeking the advice of an independent tax advisor such as an attorney or CPA.

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