Last month, the IRS announced the cost of living adjustments applicable to the various retirement plan limitations. Unfortunately, the bulk of the retirement savings limits will not increase from 2011.
According to the October 28th announcement made by the IRS on Pension Plan Limitations for 2011, “The limitations that are adjusted by reference to Section 415(d) generally will remain unchanged for 2011. This is because the cost-of-living index for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2010, while greater than the cost-of-living index for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2009, is less than the cost-of-living index for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2008, and, following the procedures under the Social Security Act for adjusting benefit amounts, any decline in the applicable index cannot result in a reduced limitation.”
No Increases for 2011
Most working professionals have access to a 401(k) plan or a 403(b) plan at work. Amounts contributed to these plans generally reduce your taxable earnings and always grow tax deferred. Like 2010, you can contribute up to $16,500 into a 401(k) or 403(b) plan through salary deferrals in 2011.
Anyone 50 or older by December 31, 2011 can contribute an extra $5,500 into their 401(k) or 403(b) plan through salary deferrals next year, for a total annual contribution of $22,000. That is the same as what was allowed during 2010.
Many smaller employers offer their staff access to SIMPLE/IRAs instead. SIMPLE’s work just like 401(k) plans, which means it’s up to you to fund the bulk of this retirement savings account through salary deferrals. For 2011, the maximum contribution into your SIMPLE remains at $11,500. Anyone 50 or older by December 31st can sock away an additional $2,500 in 2011, for a total annual contribution of $14,000, unchanged from 2010.
And if you are self-employed, you can contribute up to 20% of your net self-employment income into a SEP IRA. The maximum contribution into your SEP IRA for 2011 remains at $49,000.
One Increase to IRAs
Don’t forget about IRA’s. There is a bit of good news for people looking to contribute to a Roth IRA in 2011. While the amount you can earn and still contribute to a Roth has not increased for single individuals, this threshold did increase by $2,000 for all taxpayers as follows:
| Single ? Individuals | Married ? Couples | |
| Phase-out ? begins | $107,000 | $169,000 |
| Phase-out ? ends | $122,000 | $179,000 |
If your income is too high for a Roth, don’t forget that the rules changed a few years ago, eliminating the income limitation as of 2010 for people looking to convert their IRAs to a Roth IRA. This tax law change provides high-income taxpayers with a great opportunity to get money into these tax-free investment accounts. Lately, we’ve written a lot of articles on Roth Conversions, which you can locate on our Newsletter Archive.
And finally, if you’re married and your spouse isn’t covered under either an employer sponsored or self-employed retirement plan during the year, the phase-out range for your spouse making a deductible IRA contribution has increased to $169,000 – $179,000, which is identical to the Roth IRA phase-out limits.
Monthly Budget
Most people won’t be able to max out these tax-advantaged retirement options unless they get on a budget and put away a set amount of money each month. With 2010 winding down, now’s the time to start thinking about resetting your monthly retirement savings goals for 2011.
2011 Maximum Retirement Account Contributions
| Retirement Savings Option | Under the age of 50 |
50 or older by December 31st |
| 401(k) or 403(b) | $16,500 ($1,375.00/month) |
$22,000 ($1,833.33/month) |
| SIMPLE IRA | $11,500 ($958.33/month) |
$14,000 ($1,166.67/month) |
| SEP IRA | $49,000 ($4,083.33/month) |
$49,000 ($4,083.33/month) |
| Solo 401(k) | $49,000 ($4,083.33/month) |
$54,500 ? or ($4,541.67/month) |
| IRA | $5,000 ($416.67/month) |
$6,000 ($500.00/month) |