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Employee Benefits Cost-of-Living Adjustments for 2021

By Mark Williams & Timothy S. Klimpl on October 28, 2020
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The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced that the amount employees may contribute to their 401(k) and 403(b) plans next year remains at $19,500.  The IRS announced this week its inflation adjustments for 2021, including:

  • Overall contribution limit for defined contribution plans increases from $57,000 to $58,000 (but see catch-up contributions below).
  • Catch-up contributions for 401(k) or 403(b) plans for individuals aged 50 or over remains unchanged at $6,500.
  • Total compensation that may be considered under a qualified plan increases from $285,000 to $290,000.
  • Limitation for defining a highly compensated employee remains unchanged at $130,000.
  • Employee contributions to a flexible spending account remains at $2,750.
    • If the cafeteria plan permits carryover of unused amounts, the carryover amount is $550.

Earlier this year, in Rev. Proc. 2020-32, the IRS announced adjustments to amounts for high deductible health plans (HDHPs) that may be paired with tax-advantaged Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).  In 2021, HDHPs must have annual deductibles of not less than $1,400 for self-only coverage, or $2,800 for family coverage (both unchanged).  Annual out-of-pocket expenses (excluding premiums) for covered benefits under HDHPs may not exceed $7,000 for self-only coverage ($100 increase), or $14,000 for family coverage ($200 increase).

Separately, the Social Security Administration has announced that the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax increases from $137,700 to $142,800 for 2021.

Be in touch with any questions and stay tuned.

Photo of Mark Williams Mark Williams

Mark F. Williams‘ practice includes all aspects of employee benefits, including both tax and ERISA issues that arise in connection with employee benefit plans for both large and small clients. Mark advises employers on the design of their qualified pension plans, including 401(k)…

Mark F. Williams‘ practice includes all aspects of employee benefits, including both tax and ERISA issues that arise in connection with employee benefit plans for both large and small clients. Mark advises employers on the design of their qualified pension plans, including 401(k) and 403(b) plans.  Mark also designs and drafts nonqualified deferred compensation plans, such as Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans, and assures compliance with IRC Section 409A, which governs nonqualified arrangements.  Mark has also advised employers on compliance with the Affordable Care Act. Additionally, Mark has experience in structuring golden parachute, change in control arrangements, and deferred compensation arrangements for non-profits.

Read more about Mark WilliamsEmail
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  • Posted in:
    Employment & Labor
  • Blog:
    Carmody @ Work
  • Organization:
    Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP
  • Article: View Original Source

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