Article

New Retirement Plan Contribution Limits for 2020

Gentleman sitting in a coffee shop
  • 401(k), 403(b), 457 and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) elective deferrals have increased +$500 (under 50) and +$1,000 (over 50)
  • The defined overall contribution limits have increased +$1,000 (under 50) and +$1,500 (over50)
  • Catch-up contributions have increased from $6,000 to $6,500
  • The annual compensation limit is increased from $280,000 to $285,000
  • Official IRS Contribution Limits: Notice 2019‑59
December 6, 2019
Gentleman sitting in a coffee shop
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 “In Brief” bullet points cover just some of the highlights about the new compensation limits. There are other factors and regulations that may impact how these new limits apply to you specifically. Some of the factors include whether your compensation plan might fall under the “key employee” definition, or if you are a highly compensated employee. Your marital status, or the recent death of a spouse, and several other life situations may also impact your contribution limits, or at the very least potentially impact your savings strategy.

Chart showing new 2020 compensation limits

Most employees should probably be taking advantage of employer matching funds, and the amount that you choose to invest is called your elective deferrals – it does not include any contributions that your employer makes as part of the matching benefit (or even outside of the matching benefit). Essentially any contributions made on your behalf by your employer would be non-elective. The overall contributions would include both elective and non-elective contributions.

Of course, how much you should invest in your employee retirement benefit plan should be determined by creating an overall retirement strategy, and that may include additional investment and savings strategies to meet your specific financial goals and needs.

We provided the link to the IRS information for the sake of completeness and for reference, but the government has managed to pack a significant amount of complexity into a relatively short document. Strong Valley clients should contact us directly to discuss how the new limits apply in your specific situation, and in the context of your retirement strategy.

Other content you may like

  • Housing Market Snapshot - Strong Valley

    Time to be a Contrarian on the Housing Market?

    December 14, 2020
    According to the National Association of Realtors, existing-home sales grew for the fourth consecutive month in September as each major region saw month-over-month and year-over-year gains.
    Read this Article
  • Travel Tips that Save

    Travel Tips that Save

    July 1, 2023
    You might love to travel because of the opportunities for new experiences and adventures. Being an educated consumer means you may get more mileage out of your travel dollars. Here are 4 money-saving tips that are worth looking into so that you can enjoy your vacation whether it’s this summer or any time of year.
    Read this Article
  • Podcast Highlight - Fed Forecasts & Policy

    November 21, 2023
    Discussion centers around how inflation is tightly correlated with economic growth and the outlook, along with how outlook models have been working.
    Read this Article
  • Do You Have FOMO When it Comes to Investing?

    Do You Have FOMO When it Comes to Investing?

    November 2, 2021
    Fear-of-Missing-Out is a very real emotion – but it can derail your portfolio. It’s a phenomenon that affects many aspects of our daily lives and it’s far more prevalent than you think. This article outlines some pitfalls of combining FOMO and your investments. It also suggests a strategy for your best chance to achieve long-term investment success.
    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