IRS Releases 2004 Plan Limits

October 16, 2003 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released the new retirement plan limits for tax year 2004.

According to the IRS, under the 2004 revisions:

  • The limitation under tax code Section 402(g)(1) for elective deferrals will increase to $13,000 from $12,000, as will the limitation on deferrals under Section 457(e)(15) concerning deferred compensation plans of state and local governments and tax-exempt organizations.
  • The limitation under Section 408(p)(2)(E) regarding SIMPLE retirement accounts is increased from $8,000 to $9,000.
  • The dollar limitation under Section 414(v)(2)(B)(ii) for catch-up contributions to an applicable employer plan for individuals aged 50 or over is increased from $1,000 to $1,500.
  • The dollar limitation under Section 414(v)(2)(B)(i) for catch-up contributions to an applicable employer plan other than a plan described in Section 401(k)(11) or 408 (p) for individuals aged 50 or over is increased from $2,000 to $3,000.

Cost-of-living increases include:

  • The limitation on the annual benefit under a defined benefit plan under Section 415(b)(1)(A) will increase as of January 1, 2004 from $160,000 to $165,000.
  • The limitation for defined contribution plans under section 415(c)(1)(A) is increased from $40,000 to $41,000.
  • The annual compensation limit under Sections 401(a)(17), 404(l), 408(k)(3)(C), and 408(k)(6)(D)(ii) is increased from $200,000 to $205,000.
  • The dollar limitation under section 416(i)(1)(A)(i) concerning the definition of key employee in a top-heavy plan remains unchanged at $130,000.

The dollar amount used to determine the lengthening of the five-year distribution period in an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) is increased from $160,000 to $165,000.  The dollar amount under Section 409(o)(1)(C)(ii) for determining the maximum account balance will increase from $810,000 to $830,000.

IRS said administrators of defined benefit or defined contribution plans that have received favorable determination letters should not request new determination letters solely because of yearly amendments to adjust maximum limitations in the plans. For more information, go to http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=114714,00.html .

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