IRS Publishes 2015 Retirement Plan Limitations

The IRS announced cost-of-living adjustments applicable to certain dollar limitations for employee pension benefit plans for 2015:

• The annual benefit limit for defined benefit plans remains unchanged at $210,000.
• The annual addition limit for defined contribution plans is increased from $52,000 to $53,000.
• The annual limit with respect to the exclusion for elective deferrals to a 401(k), 403(b) or 457 plan is increased from $17,500 to $18,000.
• The annual limit on yearly contributions to an individual retirement account ("IRA") remains unchanged at $5,500. The dollar limit for catch-up contributions to an IRA remains unchanged at $1,000.
• The annual limit on compensation that can be taken into account under a qualified retirement plan is increased from $260,000 to $265,000.
• The dollar limit for defining key employees in a top-heavy plan remains unchanged at $170,000.
• The dollar amount for determining the maximum account balance in an employee stock ownership plan ("ESOP") subject to a five-year distribution period is increased from $1,050,000 to $1,070,000. The dollar amount used to determine the lengthening of the five-year distribution period remains unchanged at $210,000.
• The dollar limit for catch-up contributions for anyone 50 and older is increased from $5,500 to $6,000, while the limit applicable to those participants under SIMPLE plans and SIMPLE IRAs is increased from $2,500 to $3,000.
• The limitation used in the definition of highly compensated employee is increased from $115,000 to $120,000.

A complete list of applicable pension plan limitations can be found by clicking here.

If you have any questions about the cost-of-living adjustments or any other employee benefits or executive compensation matter, please contact a member of Day Pitney's Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation group.