Retirement Plan Contribution and Benefit Limits
This chart lists the maximum amounts individuals are permitted to contribute to their retirement plans each year.
The effective date for 2011 limits is January 1, 2011
MAXIMUM DOLLAR LIMITS
|
2011
|
2010
|
2009
|
2008
|
|
|
Annual employee contribution limit for 401(k), 403(b), or 457 savings plans |
$16,500
|
$16,500
|
$16,500
|
$15,500
|
| Annual catch-up contribution limit for 401(k), 403(b) or 457 savings plans if employee is age 50 or over |
$5,500
|
$5,500
|
$5,500
|
$5,000
|
|
Maximum annual benefit payable by a defined benefit pension plan |
$195,000
|
$195,000
|
$195,000
|
$185,000
|
| Annual limit for combined employer - employee contributions to a defined contribution plan |
$49,000
|
$49,000
|
$49,000
|
$46,000
|
| Annual contribution limit to an Individual Retirement Account for individuals |
$5,000
|
$5,000
|
$5,000
|
$5,000
|
| Annual catch-up contribution limit for Individual Retirement Accounts for individuals age 50 or over |
$1,000
|
$1,000
|
$1,000
|
$1,000
|
| Annual employee contribution for SIMPLE plans |
$11,500
|
$11,500
|
$11,500
|
$10,500
|
| Annual catch-up employee contribution for SIMPLE plans if employee is age 50 and over |
$2,500
|
$2,500
|
$2,500
|
$2,500
|
|
Maximum monthly amount insured by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation for people retiring at age 65. Find out guarantee limits at other ages. |
$4,500
|
$4,500
|
$4,500
|
$4,312.50
|
| Maximum amount of wages taxable by Social Security |
$106,800
|
$106,800
|
$106,800
|
$102,000
|
Have a question? Let us know by sending an e-mail to
webmaster[at]pensionrights.org.
Spotlight
Wondering how much you can contribute to your retirement plan in 2011? Read our helpful fact sheet to find out. The fact sheet also includes contribution limits for previous years. Read the fact sheet.
Get E-mail Updates
Did You Know?
A defined benefit plan is a pension plan, usually funded entirely by employer contributions, that pays benefits according to a formula. The formula is typically based on the participant's wages or salary and length of time spent working for an employer or group of employers. Defined benefit plans are also known as traditional or guaranteed pensions.
