On November 1, 2024, the IRS released the upcoming cost of living adjustments (COLA) for various retirement plan limitations that will take effect on January 1, 2025. Full COLA limits are reported by the IRS in IRS Notice 2024-80.
2025 brings increases across the board for many plan-specific dollar limitations, including the 401(k) deferral limit.
What's Increased for 2025?
- The 414(v)(2)(B)(i) dollar limitation for catch-up contributions to an applicable employer plan other than a plan described in section 401(k)(11) or section 408(p) remains $7,500.
- Catch-up in this instance refers to the salary deferral contributions of a plan participant turning 50, or who is over age 50, in 2024.
- The 219(b)(5)(B) IRA Catch-Up Contributions remains at $1,000.
- The 414(v)(2)(B)(ii) dollar limitation for catch-up contributions to an applicable employer plan described in section 401(k)(11) or section 408(p) for individuals aged 50 or over remains $3,500.
Upcoming and Listed Limits enacted under SECURE
- January 1, 2025: Age 60-63 Catch-Up Contributions
- Starting in 2025, individuals of ages 60 to 63 will have increased catch-up contribution limits; capped at the greater of $10,000, or 50% more than the regular catch-up amount for the year.
- The catch-up contribution maximum for employees age 50+ is $7,500 for 2025 ($3,500 for SIMPLE plans) and adjusted for inflation annually.
- The limitation under section 414(v)(2)(E)(i) for catch-up contributions to an applicable employer plan other than a plan described in section 401(k)(11) or section 408(p) that applies for individuals who attain age 60, 61, 62, or 63 in 2025 is $11,250.
- January 1, 2026: Catch-Up Contribution as designated Roth Contributions
- Plan Participants that have prior year FICA wages from the employer of $145,000 or higher, (as will be adjusted in the future for inflation) and contribute catch-up contributions to a qualified retirement plan, are required to be ROTH Contributions, even if regular contributions are pre-tax. Review our SECURE Act page for more information here.
2025 IRS Select COLA Limits Summary Chart (full version)
Plan Section Limit |
2025 |
2024 |
2023 |
Maximum Defined Contribution Annual Additions |
$70,000 |
$69,000 |
$66,000 |
Salary Deferral 401(k)/403(b) Limit |
$23,500 |
$23,000 |
$22,500 |
Catch-Up Limit (Age 50 or Over) |
$7,500 |
$7,500 |
$7,500 |
Maximum Compensation for Retirement Plan Purposes |
$350,000 |
$345,000 |
$330,000 |
HCE Compensation Limit |
$155,000 |
$150,000 |
$150,000 |
Key Employee Officer |
$220,000 |
$220,000 |
$215,000 |
Social Security Taxable Wage Base |
$176,100 |
$168,600 |
$160,200 |
Check out our full Contribution Limit page for all the COLA limits plus historical limits.
More Information on 2025 COLA Limit Increases
Learn more about these increases and how they impact your retirement plan by contacting Uniglobal and your Uniglobal consultant.
Additional information on limit changes for 2025 can be found in the IRS Retirement Topics page. The IRS page 401(k) limit increases to $23,500 for 2025, IRA limit remains $7,000 expands on the highlights in this post. The IRS also provides a tool if you’d like to get a Retirement Savings Check-Up.