Skip to content

menu

Open Legal Blog Archive logo
HomeAboutBlogsFAQsSubmit

Employee Benefits Cost-of-Living Adjustments for 2021

By Mark Williams & Timothy S. Klimpl on October 28, 2020

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced that the amount employees may contribute to their 401(k) and 403(b) plans next year remains at $19,500.  The IRS announced this week its inflation adjustments for 2021, including:

  • Overall contribution limit for defined contribution plans increases from $57,000 to $58,000 (but see catch-up contributions below).
  • Catch-up contributions for 401(k) or 403(b) plans for individuals aged 50 or over remains unchanged at $6,500.
  • Total compensation that may be considered under a qualified plan increases from $285,000 to $290,000.
  • Limitation for defining a highly compensated employee remains unchanged at $130,000.
  • Employee contributions to a flexible spending account remains at $2,750.
    • If the cafeteria plan permits carryover of unused amounts, the carryover amount is $550.

Earlier this year, in Rev. Proc. 2020-32, the IRS announced adjustments to amounts for high deductible health plans (HDHPs) that may be paired with tax-advantaged Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).  In 2021, HDHPs must have annual deductibles of not less than $1,400 for self-only coverage, or $2,800 for family coverage (both unchanged).  Annual out-of-pocket expenses (excluding premiums) for covered benefits under HDHPs may not exceed $7,000 for self-only coverage ($100 increase), or $14,000 for family coverage ($200 increase).

Separately, the Social Security Administration has announced that the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax increases from $137,700 to $142,800 for 2021.

Be in touch with any questions and stay tuned.

  • Posted in:
    Employment & Labor
  • Blog:
    Carmody @ Work
  • Organization:
    Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP
  • Article: View Original Source

Open Legal Blog Archive, Inc. logo
Seattle, Washington
Copyright © 2026, Open Legal Blog Archive, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Law blog design & platform by LexBlog LexBlog Logo