Although the IRS has raised 401(k) contribution limits, the catch-up contribution limit on defined contribution plans remains unchanged at $6,000. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Participants in 401(k) and other defined contribution retirement accounts will see their annual contribution cap raised from $18,500 to $19,000 in 2019, according to the Internal Revenue Service.
The catch-up contribution limit on defined contribution plans remains unchanged at $6,000.
Savers with IRAs will see the annual contribution cap raised from $5,500 to $6,000 — the first time the cap on IRA deferrals has been raised since 2013. The annual catch-up contribution for savers age 50 and over will remain at $1,000.
COLA increases will also be applied to the deduction phase-out scale for IRA owners who are also covered by a workplace retirement plan:
- for single filers the scale will be $64,000 to $74,000, up $1,000
- for joint filers where the spouse contributing to an IRA is also covered by a workplace plan, the phase-out slot increase to $103,000 to $123,000
- for an IRA contributor whose spouse is covered by a plan, the income phase out is $193,000 to $2003,000
Single contributors to Roth IRAs will see the income phase out range increase to $122,000 to $137,000, up $2,000 from last year. For married couples filing jointly the range will increase to $193,000 to $203,000, up $4,000 from last year.
More low and moderate-income families may be able to claim the Saver's Credit on their tax returns for contributions to retirement savings plans. The threshold increases $1,000 for married couples, to $64,000; $48,000 for head of households, up $750; and $32,000 for singles and single filers, up $500 from last year.
The deferred compensation limit in defined contribution plans for pre-tax and after-tax dollars will increase $1,000, to $56,000. And the maximum defined benefit annual pension will increase $5,000, to $225,000.
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Nick Thornton
Nick Thornton is a financial writer covering retirement and health care issues for BenefitsPRO and ALM Media. He greatly enjoys learning from the vast minds in the legal, academic, advisory and money management communities when covering the retirement space. He's also written on international marketing trends, financial institution risk management, defense and energy issues, the restaurant industry in New York City, surfing, cigars, rum, travel, and fishing. When not writing, he's pushing into some land or water.
