2023 403(b) contribution limits

The annual employee elective-deferral limit for 403(b) plans.

Official

Primary reference value

$22,500
+$2,0009.8% increase from 2022
403(b) contribution limits for 2023
ParameterAmount
Employee contribution$22,500
Age catch-up$7,500
Announced
Not recorded; see primary document
Effective
2023-01-01 to 2023-12-31
Next usual release
November

Who this applies to.

The general age-based limit is shown. A permitted 15-year-service catch-up has a separate ordering rule and is excluded from this estimate.

Published by IRS. The table uses tax year dates. Check the source for eligibility, elections and exceptions.

Use the 2023 number.

Assumes full-year eligibility and that your plan permits catch-ups. IRA compensation limits apply. HSA includes employer contributions and excludes Medicare enrollment. Special 403(b) service and 457 final-three-year catch-ups are not modeled. Roth catch-up treatment affects tax treatment, not the total limit. SEP uses 25% of employee compensation; self-employed SEP needs its separate net-earnings worksheet.

403(b) contribution limits history.

403(b) contribution limits reference value by year; equivalent values are in the history table2021202220232024202520262027$26.5k$23.8k$21.1k$18.3k
403(b) contribution limits history
YearReference valueChangeStatus
2021$19,500—Official
2022$20,500+$1,000Official
2023$22,500+$2,000Official
2024$23,000+$500Official
2025$23,500+$500Official
2026$24,500+$1,000Official
2027$25,000+$500Projected

History compares the primary reference value; use each year’s full table for other filing statuses, regions or limits.

Questions about 403(b) contribution limits.

What is the 2023 403(b) contribution limits?

The sourced table above shows the 2023 values. Its status is official. The primary reference is $22,500; other statuses or categories may differ.

When will the next number be announced?

The usual publication window is November. This is a typical schedule, not a promised date. The calendar distinguishes published values from pending releases.

Is this official or projected?

The displayed 2023 record is official. Official means a primary agency document or statute supports the value. A projection states its formula, inflation data and assumptions and changes when an official source becomes available.

How does it compare with last year?

The primary reference changed from $20,500 in 2022 to $22,500 in 2023. Each table should be compared using the same filing status, region and effective period.

Can I use the calculator without an account?

Yes. Submit the form to get a server-calculated estimate, including when JavaScript is off. Inputs are not stored in the application cache or sent to analytics. Result URLs include the inputs, so avoid sharing them if the figures are private.

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