Call Our Office
(559) 384-2900 | Fresno
(619) 480-1413 | San Diego
Your Money
Your Life
Your Way
Article

New Retirement Plan Contribution Limits for 2020

Gentleman sitting in a coffee shop
  • 401(k), 403(b), 457 and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) elective deferrals have increased +$500 (under 50) and +$1,000 (over 50)
  • The defined overall contribution limits have increased +$1,000 (under 50) and +$1,500 (over50)
  • Catch-up contributions have increased from $6,000 to $6,500
  • The annual compensation limit is increased from $280,000 to $285,000
  • Official IRS Contribution Limits: Notice 2019‑59
December 6, 2019
Gentleman sitting in a coffee shop
Important Disclosure: Content on our website and in our newsletters is for informational purposes only. The information provided may (or may not) directly apply to your situation. We recommend that readers work directly with a professional advisor when making decisions in the context of their specific situation.

The “In Brief” bullet points cover just some of the highlights about the new compensation limits. There are other factors and regulations that may impact how these new limits apply to you specifically. Some of the factors include whether your compensation plan might fall under the “key employee” definition, or if you are a highly compensated employee. Your marital status, or the recent death of a spouse, and several other life situations may also impact your contribution limits, or at the very least potentially impact your savings strategy.

Chart showing new 2020 compensation limits

Most employees should probably be taking advantage of employer matching funds, and the amount that you choose to invest is called your elective deferrals – it does not include any contributions that your employer makes as part of the matching benefit (or even outside of the matching benefit). Essentially any contributions made on your behalf by your employer would be non-elective. The overall contributions would include both elective and non-elective contributions.

Of course, how much you should invest in your employee retirement benefit plan should be determined by creating an overall retirement strategy, and that may include additional investment and savings strategies to meet your specific financial goals and needs.

We provided the link to the IRS information for the sake of completeness and for reference, but the government has managed to pack a significant amount of complexity into a relatively short document. Strong Valley clients should contact us directly to discuss how the new limits apply in your specific situation, and in the context of your retirement strategy.

Other content you may like

  • The NASDAQ Bear Woke Up Angry

    The NASDAQ Bear Woke Up Angry

    March 29, 2022
    Bear markets happen. Bull markets happen. And do you think you can figure out when the market is turning – either up or down and trade accordingly? Well, before you think that you should get out of this market now and wait this bear out, here’s some things you might consider.
    Read this Article
  • A Positive Start to the Year for Stocks

    A Positive Start to the Year for Stocks

    June 23, 2023
    Looking at stats from January through May, it’s good to see a positive start to the year for U.S. stocks. This market overview also looks at the growth heavy U.S. large cap stock index and charts the hidden risk in Growth vs. Value. Included is a current and historical look at how the Fed funds rate affects core bonds, short term bonds, and performance strategies with a potential Fed Reserve pause.
    Read this Article
  • Know your Risk Tolerance number.

    Tired of Tossing and Turning?

    August 4, 2023
    Know your Risk Tolerance number, a quantitative way to understand your risk tolerance that can help guide your investment decisions and help you sleep more soundly at night.
    Read this Article
  • Avoidable Mistakes of the Suddenly Wealthy

    Avoidable Mistakes of the Suddenly Wealthy

    March 8, 2024
    The newly wealthy may find themselves in the golden glow of prosperity as well as on a path riddled with pitfalls. In order to turn your fortune into a legacy that lasts, you need to be aware of your choices. Here are some of the most common blunders and ways to sidestep them.
    Read this Article
  • The link you have selected is located on another server. The linked site contains information that has been created, published, maintained, or otherwise posted by institutions or organizations independent of this organization. We do not endorse, approve, certify, or control any linked websites, their sponsors, or any of their policies, activities, products, or services. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information contained therein. Visitors to any linked websites should not use or rely on the information contained therein until they have consulted with an independent financial professional. Please click “Continue to Link” to leave this website and proceed to the selected site.
    phone-handset