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

  • What's Driving the Market

    Podcast Highlight - Taming Inflation with Rate Hikes

    June 14, 2023
    After unprecedented rate hikes, did they work? The team discusses the changes to inflation and gives insight into where rate hikes may go from here. Are there indications of how far rates can rise without causing more problems?
    Read this Article
  • Q1 2022: Greatest Hits

    Q1 2022: Greatest Hits

    March 15, 2022
    Looking for stats on market volatility in uncertain times? These stock market numbers going back to 1950 might help you stay the course. In addition, here’s an overview of 2022’s 1st quarter in all the issues that matter: stock and bond returns, money market assets, growth vs value, interest rates, and the effects of inflation. Included is an important visual showing how a diversified portfolio can work even when it may not feel so good.
    Read this Article
  • Golfing for High Quality, Compassionate Health Care

    Golfing for High Quality, Compassionate Health Care

    July 8, 2022
    Since 1929, Saint Agnes Medical Center has been known for delivering high quality, compassionate care to meet Central California’s growing and diverse health care needs. Strong Valley was pleased to support the recent Saint Agnes Men’s Club Golf Tournament fundraiser by sponsoring a hole for the longest drive.
    Read this Article
  • Wondering Whether You Missed the Recovery Image

    Wondering Whether You Missed the Recovery?

    October 19, 2020
    Why long-term investing success is about time in the market, not timing. Some investors are confident that they can time it perfectly and snap up equities when prices are low and shift into cash or bonds when the market hits its peak. This article brings up several reasons why investors run a big risk by selling when they believe stocks have reached their peak.
    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