$19,500: The limit individuals will be able to contribute into a 401(k), 403(b) and most 457 plans in 2021
Retirement contribution limits will remain the same next year with employees being able to defer up to $19,500 into a 401(k), 403(b) and most 457 plans at work, the IRS announced recently. The limits also remain the same for employee catch-up contributions for those 50 and older—$6,500. Last year saw a $500 jump in the overall employee contribution limit for 2020 plus a $500 rise in the catch-up limit.
What it means to HR leaders
Thresholds are adjusted annually for inflation and are usually announced around the time when employees are enrolling in benefits.
Related: IRS announces 401(k), FSA contribution limits for 2021
Although employee contribution limits for 401(k)s will remain the same next year, HR managers should still make sure to convey the limits to workers for next year. Many industry insiders also say employers should encourage employees to fund their 401(k)s to the best of their ability. Contributing to retirement accounts—and increasing contributions over time—is important to long-term savings, even during market volatility.
“It’s good guidance for employers to tell workers that any savings they can do today will have an outsize benefit, and it’s important [employees] exercise their option to contribute to this employer plan,” Edward Gottfried, group product manager for Betterment for Business, a provider that works with 500 employer clients, told HRE earlier this year.