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2021 401(k) Contribution and Tax-Deferral Limits

By Stuart Robertson

The IRS released the contribution and tax-deferral limits for 401(k) plans, IRAs, and other retirement accounts for 2021. Changes are based on cost of living, and with low inflation in 2020, there are only a few changes of note in 2021 versus 2020.

401(k) employee contribution limits remain the same as 2020 (that amount will remain at $19,500). Like 2020, those over 50 years of age can make additional catch-up contributions of $6,500 per year (or $26,000 per year in total) to their 401(k) accounts.

The Total Amount You Can Defer Into a 401(k) is Increased to $58,000
The one 401(k) area of import that changed is the amount you can contribute and receive in total to your 401(k) account. If you receive company matching contributions or profit sharing, the all-in tax-deferral limit has been increased from $57,000 to $58,000 for 2021 with those over 50 years able to put in $64,500 with the catch-up. Here is a summary of the 2021 401(k) limits as compared to 2020:

401(k) Limits for 2021    
  2021 2020
Employee contribution limit $19,500 $19,500
Annual limit per individual $58,000 $57,000
Age 50+ catch-up amount $6,500 $6,500
Annual compensation limit $290,000 $285,000
Highly compensated employees $130,000 $130,000

401(k) Saving Advantages Over Traditional IRAs Are Significant
The tax advantages for 401(k) savers versus those opting to use IRAs or don't have access to a 401(k) plan is large and is now even a bit bigger.

401(k) Advantages Over Traditional IRAs in 2021    
  401(k) IRA
Annual limit per individual $58,000
(employee + employer contributions)
$6,000
Age 50+ catch-up amount $6,500 $1,000
Roth income limit None $140K*
Penalty-free access, if needed Yes, via a loan No

*Beginning at $125K, the amount you are allowed to contribute begins to decrease, hitting $0 at $140K for singles (range is $198K to $208K for married couples filing joinly)

There is some good news for IRA savers. You can earn a little more and get to deduct your IRA contributions. Plus, the phase-out income limits for contributing to a Roth IRA are bumped up $1K to $2K depending on your filing status. In addition, the income limit for the Saver’s Credit for low- and moderate-income workers is $33,000 for singles and married filing separately for 2021, up from $32,500. It is $66,000 for married couples filing jointly for up from $65,000 and $49,500 for heads of household, up from $48,750.

Refer to IRS cost-of-living adjustment for 2021 in IRS Notice 2020-79 for more details.


Meet the Author

Our low-cost 401k plans are easy to setup online and are supported by our 401k advisors and specialists. ShareBuilder 401k serves small business and medium-sized companies, as well as the self-employed. We offer Roth 401k, Safe Harbor 401k, Traditional 401k, and Solo 401k options. Your 401k plan is paired with investment management expertise and employee education to help you save more.