2021 Defined contribution total limit
The total annual additions limit for employer and employee defined contributions, excluding catch-ups.
Primary reference value
$58,000| Parameter | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual limit | $58,000 |
- Announced
- Not recorded; see primary document
- Effective
- 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31
- Next usual release
- November
Who this applies to.
The limit is generally the lesser of the published amount and 100% of compensation; it is not the employee deferral limit.
Published by IRS. The table uses tax year dates. Check the source for eligibility, elections and exceptions.
Use the 2021 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.
Defined contribution total limit history.
| Year | Reference value | Change | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $58,000 | — | Official |
| 2022 | $61,000 | +$3,000 | Official |
| 2023 | $66,000 | +$5,000 | Official |
| 2024 | $69,000 | +$3,000 | Official |
| 2025 | $70,000 | +$1,000 | Official |
| 2026 | $72,000 | +$2,000 | Official |
| 2027 | $75,000 | +$3,000 | Projected |
History compares the primary reference value; use each year’s full table for other filing statuses, regions or limits.
Questions about defined contribution total limit.
What is the 2021 defined contribution total limit?
The sourced table above shows the 2021 values. Its status is official. The primary reference is $58,000; 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 2021 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?
Use the history and prior-year page for verified comparisons. Each table should be compared using the same filing status, region and effective period.
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