2021 Retirement Plan Contribution Limits
by Plan Member Services
One of the most basic principles of successful long-term investing is to invest as much as you can as soon as you can. For 2021, many of the annual retirement plan contribution limits have remained the same as their 2020 levels. Limits for 2021 include:
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For individuals under age 50, the maximum contribution to 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b) plans remains $19,500. For individuals age 50 and older, catch-up contribution to 401(k), 403(b) and governmental 457(b) plans remains $6,500.
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The maximum combined employee and employer contribution to 401(k) and 403(b) plans increased to $58,000.
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For individuals under age 50, the maximum contribution to Traditional and Roth IRAs remains at $6,000. For individuals age 50 and older, the additional catch-up to Traditional and Roth IRAs remains at $1,000.
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The 403(b) plan service-based catch-up contributions, available to 403(b) account holders with at least 15 years of service with their current employer, remains at $3,000.1
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If your employer offers both a 403(b) and a governmental 457(b) plan, then you can contribute up to the combined maximum annual contributions to each plan. This means if you are under age 50, you can contribute up to $19,500 to each plan for a total maximum 2021 contribution of $39,000. If you’re age 50 or older, you can contribute up to $26,000 to both the 403(b) plan and a governmental 457(b) plan for a maximum 2021 contribution of $52,000.
1. Up to a $ 15,000-lifetime limit. Other conditions apply.
2. Assumes a 6% average annual growth rate and a single lump sum contribution at the beginning of each year. Actual returns may be higher or lower. Table is for illustration purposes only and is not intended to indicate the past or future performance of any investment options available through the PlanMember Program. This hypothetical illustration does not include sales charges or other expenses.
This communication is not intended to be tax, legal or accounting advice. Issues could exist that can affect the tax treatment of a transaction. Therefore, taxpayers should seek advice from an independent tax, legal or accounting advisor before acting on any information presented. This information cannot be used to avoid tax penalties.