Article

IRS Makes Contribution Limit Changes for 2022

IRS Makes Contribution Limit Changes for 2022

Contribution limits to your 401(k) plan have increased for 2022. Typical of IRS, there are lots of rules, deadlines and limits that may have changed. This article gives you an overview of how IRS may affect your particular financial plan. Now’s a great time to talk with your financial planner about the best financial plan for you.

April 5, 2022
IRS Makes Contribution Limit Changes for 2022
Important Disclosure: Content on our website and in our newsletters is for informational purposes only. The information provided may (or may not) directly apply to your situation. We recommend that readers work directly with a professional advisor when making decisions in the context of their specific situation.

The Internal Revenue Service announced that the amount individuals can contribute to their 401(k) plans in 2022 has increased to $20,500, up from $19,500 for 2021 and 2020.

From the IRS website:

Highlights of Changes for 2022

“The contribution limit for employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal government's Thrift Savings Plan is increased to $20,500, up from $19,500.

The income ranges for determining eligibility to make deductible contributions to traditional Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs), to contribute to Roth IRAs, and to claim the Saver's Credit all increased for 2022.

Taxpayers can deduct contributions to a traditional IRA if they meet certain conditions. If during the year either the taxpayer or the taxpayer's spouse was covered by a retirement plan at work, the deduction may be reduced, or phased out, until it is eliminated, depending on filing status and income. (If neither the taxpayer nor the spouse is covered by a retirement plan at work, the phase-outs of the deduction do not apply.)

Here are the phase-out ranges for 2022:

  • For single taxpayers covered by a workplace retirement plan, the phase-out range is increased to $68,000 to $78,000, up from $66,000 to $76,000.
  • For married couples filing jointly, if the spouse making the IRA contribution is covered by a workplace retirement plan, the phase-out range is increased to $109,000 to $129,000, up from $105,000 to $125,000.
  • For an IRA contributor who is not covered by a workplace retirement plan and is married to someone who is covered, the phase-out range is increased to $204,000 to $214,000, up from $198,000 to $208,000.
  • For a married individual filing a separate return who is covered by a workplace retirement plan, the phase-out range is not subject to an annual cost-of-living adjustment and remains $0 to $10,000.

The income phase-out range for taxpayers making contributions to a Roth IRA is increased to $129,000 to $144,000 for singles and heads of household, up from $125,000 to $140,000.

For married couples filing jointly, the income phase-out range is increased to $204,000 to $214,000, up from $198,000 to $208,000. The phase-out range for a married individual filing a separate return who makes contributions to a Roth IRA is not subject to an annual cost-of-living adjustment and remains $0 to $10,000.

The income limit for the Saver's Credit (also known as the Retirement Savings Contributions Credit) for low- and moderate-income workers is $68,000 for married couples filing jointly, up from $66,000; $51,000 for heads of household, up from $49,500; and $34,000 for singles and married individuals filing separately, up from $33,000.

The amount individuals can contribute to their SIMPLE retirement accounts is increased to $14,000, up from $13,500.

Key Employee Contribution Limits That Remain Unchanged

The limit on annual contributions to an IRA remains unchanged at $6,000. The IRA catch-up contribution limit for individuals aged 50 and over is not subject to an annual cost-of-living adjustment and remains $1,000.

The catch-up contribution limit for employees aged 50 and over who participate in 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal government's Thrift Savings Plan remains unchanged at $6,500. Therefore, participants in 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal government's Thrift Savings Plan who are 50 and older can contribute up to $27,000, starting in 2022. The catch-up contribution limit for employees aged 50 and over who participate in SIMPLE plans remains unchanged at $3,000.”

Your Financial Advisor

As you can see, there are a lot of rules, deadlines and contribution limits that change from year to year. Further, many of these might be helpful to your situation – but many might be inappropriate too.

Talk to your financial advisor as you consider your 2022 financial plans.

Source: irs.gov

Other content you may like

  • American flag in front of federal building with ornate columns

    IMPACT: The SECURE Act

    January 4, 2020
    The SECURE Act has wide-reaching impact The “Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Security Act”, or SECURE Act, was signed into law on December 20th, after passing with bipartisan support (97% of the house, and 71% of the senate).  Whether you are an employee with a 401(k) or a small business owner providing retirement benefit […]
    Read this Article
  • Black and blue cover slide for a presentation

    July Student of the Market

    July 29, 2025
    This has been the best May and June for U.S. Stocks since 1950! Even so, international stocks are still leading this year. How does geopolitical turmoil impact the market? Take a look at that answer, as well as cash performance, bonds and the 60/40 portfolio performance.
    Read this Article
  • What Happens if the Debt Ceiling is Not Raised?

    What Happens if the Debt Ceiling is Not Raised?

    October 5, 2021
    The latest mess out of Washington is the fight to increase the federal debt ceiling. If this isn’t resolved, some fear catastrophe for the markets. Long-term financial success dictates that we learn to manage headline generated waves in the market and recognize which ones truly matter and which ones are just ripples under our boat. There’s info in this article that explains the concerns and might help you relax.
    Read this Article
  • Valuing Liabilities like Assets

    September 10, 2024
    It’s natural for you to gravitate towards the idea of financial planning being focused on growing assets such as stocks, bonds and real estate. Many are surprised to learn that developing a comprehensive financial strategy doesn’t only involve focusing on what you own, but also what you owe.
    Read this Article
  • The link you have selected is located on another server. The linked site contains information that has been created, published, maintained, or otherwise posted by institutions or organizations independent of this organization. We do not endorse, approve, certify, or control any linked websites, their sponsors, or any of their policies, activities, products, or services. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information contained therein. Visitors to any linked websites should not use or rely on the information contained therein until they have consulted with an independent financial professional. Please click “Continue to Link” to leave this website and proceed to the selected site.
    phone-handset