[Updated with latest IRS 401k limits] The IRS has now released 2023 401k limits which saw a relatively large increase from 2022 levels. The table below shows what the contribution limit trends have been over the last few years at the individual/employee level.
| Year | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | ||||
| 2022 | ||||
| 2021 | ||||
| 2020 | ||||
| 2019 |
Key changes for 2023 include:
- $2,000 increase to the employee elective deferral limit, meaning the maximum an employee can contribute to 401k, 403b and TSP plans across the year in 2023 will rise to $22,500
- Catch-up contributions for those over 50 rose by $1,000
Click here for the full set of 401K, Roth IRA and Traditional IRA Contribution Limits
Employer Contribution Component
A lot of people assume the maximum annual contribution to employer sponsored retirement plans like a 401(k), 403(b) or Government Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), are what is published at the individual level.
However, this could be very misleading if your employer contribution or match is generous and/or you are a high income earner.
Let me give you an example to illustrate my point. Suppose Mike works for an employer who matches 100% of contributions – and there are quite a lot of employers who offer generous matching to attract talent. Mike earns $200,000 a year as Senior Director or IT.
He contributes to his employer sponsored 401k plan up to the individual maximum of $18,000 per year. However because his employer matches his contribution his total non-taxable contribution for that year is a whopping $36,000.
Well above his individual contribution and add make a substantial to his retirement savings.
The point being is that don’t just look at the individual contribution limits (which change every year). Consider the grand total and where possible make sure you employer provides as generous a contribution as possible.
Or if picking a new employer, look closely at their matching 401K contribution to try and get the maximum match.