What is the 401k maximum contribution for 2009?

Answer 1

The 401(k) maximums for 2009 was established based on a cost of living adjustment. The 2009 Basic maximum 401K contribution amount is set at $16,500. Catch up contributions allow a maximum of an additional $5,500. Catch up contributions would bring the total to $22,000 but you must be 50 years old and above for the additional allowed contribution amount. The 401k Basic maximum contribution figure is also true for the 403b (used by non-profits and educational institutions). But with the 403b there is also a $40,000 "catch up" provision and a 15-year (same employer) "catch up" provision. These are a bit confusing and are best explained by to the employee by the Third Party Administrator (TPA). In 2009 the entire 403b administration rules changed, too. The basic rules are explained more thoroughly at other sites on the web, but beware of the ever changing nature of these regulations and that postings on the internet are often out-of-date. One site, money-zine, (http://www.money-zine.com/Financial-Planning/Retirement/403b-Contribution-Rules/), which came up on a search on 3-27-09 and it is fairly comprehensive, doesn't include the 401k or 403b Roth after-tax contributions that can now be made or the TPA rules. To get the 'right answer' regarding 403b contribution maximums, please do more than Google searches and reading internet information. The IRS.gov site is helpful and has specific rules, but it really takes a knowledgeable TPA to give the correct information for an individual's specific situation. Per the referenced article another important point to remember regarding your 401k maximum contribution limit - the combined total maximum contribution that you can make each year to ALL 401k plans in which you participate, including standard 401k plans and Roth 401k plans - is the lower of: (1) the maximum percentage contribution limit allowed under each of your employers' plans, or (2) the dollar limits shown in the table above. For example, if your employer's 401k plan allows you to contribute up to a maximum of 10% of your salary, and you earn $50,000, your maximum contribution limit is $5,000, not the $16,500 contribution limit in 2009 that applies only to higher-paid employees