The Internal Revenue Service has started releasing some of its annual adjustments to the dollar limits and thresholds of retirement and other benefit plans. While some limits have been increased, some have remained the same. The 2013 increased limits include the limit on elective deferral contributions which will increase from $17,000 to $17,500; the annual benefit limitation under a defined benefit plan which will increase from $200,000 to $205,000; the annual benefit limitation under a defined contribution plan which will increase from $50,000 to $51,000; and the annual compensation limit which will increase from $250,000 to $255,000. In addition, the Social Security wage base limit has been increased for 2013 from $110,000 to $113,700. The limits which remain unchanged for 2013 include the catch-up contribution limit at $5,500; the limitation used to define highly compensated employees at $115,000; and the dollar limitation for the definition of key employees in a top-heavy plan at $165,000.

SGR is in the process of preparing our yearly laminated chart of benefit limitations, but in the interim, we wanted to provide you with a quick overview of the changes. If you have not been receiving our chart and would like to receive one once it is completed, please click here.