The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released Notice 2024-80, containing cost-of-living adjustments for 2025 that affect amounts employees can contribute to 401(k) plans and individual retirement accounts (IRAs). 

2025 Increases 

The employee contribution limit for 401(k) plans in 2025 has increased to $23,500, up from $23,000 for 2024.  Other key limitations include the following: 

• The contribution limit for IRAs remains at $7,000, the same as 2024.  

•  The IRA catch‑up contribution limit for individuals aged 50 and over remains unchanged at $1,000 for 2025 (despite this limit now including an annual cost‑of‑living adjustment because of legislation enacted at the end of 2022, referred to as “SECURE 2.0”). 

• The employee contribution limit for SIMPLE IRAs and SIMPLE 401(k) plans is increased to $16,500, up from $16,000.  

• The threshold used to define a “highly compensated employee” and a “key employee” are increased to $160,000 (up from $155,000) and $230,000 (up from $220,000), respectively. 

• The contribution limit for defined contribution plans (for example, 401(k) plans, profit-sharing plans and money purchase plans) is increased to $70,000, up from $69,000. 

• The annual compensation limit (applicable to many retirement plans) is increased to $350,000, up from $345,000. 

• The catch-up contribution limit for employees aged 50 and over who participate in 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan remains unchanged at $7,500. Therefore, participants in these plans who are 50 and older can contribute up to $31,000, starting in 2025.  The special catch-up contribution limit for participants aged 60 through 63, as provided in SECURE 2.0 , is $11,250 for 2025.  This special catch-up contribution limit was not available for plan years prior to 2025.  This means that participants aged 60 through 63, can contribute up to $34,750 for 2025. 

• The defined benefit plan annual benefit and accrual limit is increased to $280,000 for 2025, up from $275,000 for 2024. 

The income ranges for determining eligibility to make deductible contributions to traditional IRAs, contribute to Roth IRAs and claim the Saver’s Credit (also known as the Retirement Savings Contributions Credit) also increased for 2025. 

More Information 

The IRS’s news release contains more details on the cost-of-living adjustments for 2025. For further information or help with Retirement Planning, contact RMC Group at 239-298-8210 or rmc@rmcgp.com.