2023 Retirement Contribution Limits

Funneling money into a tax-advantaged account, such as an IRA or a 401(k) is a must if you’re banking on enjoying a comfortable retirement. These kinds of accounts offer a much higher rate of growth compared to a regular savings account. However, there’s a catch when it comes to how much you can save each year. The IRS routinely adjusts the annual retirement contribution limits for qualified retirement accounts. Here are the latest contribution limits for 2023.

A financial advisor can help you create a financial plan for your retirement needs and goals. 

Contribution Limits for Employer-Sponsored Plans

Retirement plans offered through your employer can either be defined benefit plans, such as a pension, or defined contribution plans, like a 403(b), 457 or 401(k) plan. If you’re enrolled in any of the above, you can defer up to $22,500 of your salary into your account for 2023, a $2,000 increase over 2022 limits. The maximum 401(k) contribution limit also applies to federal employees who participate in the Thrift Savings Plan. This cap doesn’t include employer matching contributions.

Although your company match is not included in maximum 401(k) contribution limits, the IRA does cap the total of your contributions and your employer’s contributions. For 2022 that cap is the lesser of either 100% of employee compensation or $66,000. Note that this $66,000 cap doesn’t include catch-up contributions, which can be up to $6,500 for those 50 or older.

Defined benefit plans pay you a set amount of money once you retire, based on your annual salary and how many years of service you’ve racked up. Because of the cost involved, fewer companies are offering defined benefit plans. For those that are, the annual contribution limit per employee tops out at $265,000 for 2023, a $20,000 increase from 2022.

Contribution Limits for Self-Employed Savers

When you own a business or you work as an independent contractor, you have to think outside the box a little in terms of how you can save for retirement. Two of the most common options available are SEP and SIMPLE IRAs. Which one you choose depends on your business structure and whether you have any employees, but generally, both plans offer more benefits than you’d get with a traditional IRA. For 2023, you can contribute a maximum of $66,000 in a SEP IRA or $15,500 in a SIMPLE IRA.

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If you own a sole proprietorship or your only employee is your spouse, a solo 401(k) may also be a good choice. The 2023 contribution limits are the same as a SEP IRA and your contributions grow on a tax-deferred basis.

Limits for Traditional and Roth IRAs

An IRA is an excellent choice for supplementing the amount you’re saving in an employer’s plan or building your nest egg when you’re not eligible to participate in a retirement plan at work.

With a traditional IRA, you get the benefit of deferring taxes on earnings and your contributions may be deductible. You fund a Roth IRA with after-tax dollars, which means you’ll pay no tax on qualified withdrawals. For 2023, the most you can put into either a traditional IRA or Roth IRA is $6,500.

Catch-Up Contribution Limits

In terms of saving for retirement, you’re better off starting sooner rather than later. However, the IRS recognizes that some people may put it off longer than others. In addition to regular contributions, certain savers can make catch-up contributions to boost their balances. The amount of the catch-up contribution varies based on what kind of retirement account you have.

For defined contribution plans, such as a 401(k), you can chip in an extra $7,500 in 2023 if you’re 50 or older. You can’t make catch-up contributions to a SEP IRA, but you can squirrel away an additional $3,500 to a SIMPLE plan if you’re 50 or older. If you’ve got a solo 401(k) or IRA, the limits are $7,500 and $1,000, respectively.

Income Phase-Out Limits

Your ability to deduct your traditional IRA contributions depends on how much you earn. The IRS is increasing the adjusted gross income phaseout limits for 2023.

If you have a traditional IRA and you participate in your employer’s retirement plan, the phase-out range if you’re single is $73,000 to $83,000. It’s $116,000 to $136,000 if you’re married and file jointly. And if you are not covered by a workplace retirement plan but are married to someone who is covered, the phase-out range is between $218,000 and $228,000.

Savers who are planning to fund a Roth IRA also need to be aware of adjustments to the income cap. If you’re single or the head of your household, the income phase-out range is $138,000 to $153,000. The ceiling ranges between $218,000 and $228,000 for married couples filing jointly.

Scoring the Savers’s Credit

As an incentive to get more people to save for retirement, the IRS offers a special credit for people who make below a certain amount and contribute to an employer’s plan or IRA. The income limits used to qualify are going up slightly for 2023.

The credit is good for single filers who earn $21,750 or less, heads of household making $32,625 or less, and married couples who file a joint return that make $43,500 or less.

Tips for Saving for Retirement

• A financial advisor can help you create a financial plan for your retirement. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

• Maximize your employer’s 401(k) match, if one is offered. As illustrated by SmartAsset’s 401(k) calculator, employer contributions can seriously boost the value of your 401(k) over time. For instance, if your employer will match 50% of employee contributions up to 5% of your salary, you could snag $1,250 in employer contributions if you contribute $2,500 and earn $50,000 a year.

• Consider your options. As indicated by the many contribution limits, you have numerous choices when it comes to saving for retirement. Do your research to make sure you’re making the best choice for your needs. Here’s a breakdown of IRAs vs. 401(k)s.

• If you’re over the age of 50, take advantage of catch-up contributions. Catch-up contributions are a great way to boost your savings, whether you got a late start or haven’t saved as much as you’d hoped. Use SmartAsset’s retirement calculator to ensure you’re saving enough to retire comfortably.

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