The IRS has announced the changes to the dollar limits on benefits and contributions under qualified retirement plans, as well as other items, for tax year 2020 [IRS Notice 2019-59, 11-6-19]. In addition, the IRS also released inflation-adjusted tables for 2020 reflecting any increases in the flexible spending arrangement (FSA) deferral limit and excludable transportation fringes, among other changes [Rev. Proc. 2019-44, 11-6-19].
Pension Plan Limits
IRC §415, which provides for dollar limits on benefits and contributions under qualified retirement plans, also requires that the IRS annually adjust these limits for cost-of-living changes. The IRC also requires various other amounts to be adjusted at the same time and in the same manner as these dollar limits.
The limitation on the exclusion for elective deferrals under §401(k), §403(b), and §457(b) plans increases to $19,500 for 2020 (from $19,000).
COLAs for FSA Deferrals, Transportation Fringes, and More
For plan years beginning in 2020, the dollar limitation for voluntary employee salary reductions for contributions to health FSAs increases to $2,750 (from $2,700 in 2019). For 2020, the amounts that may be excluded from gross income for employer-provided qualified transportation fringe benefits and qualified parking have both increased to $270 per month (from $265 in 2019).
For more information, see the APA Compliance Update, 2020 Pension, Other COLAs Announced. Compliance updates are emailed to APA members and are also available on the Compliance Updates web page.
To learn more about federal and state laws, regulations, and information to keep your company's payroll operations in compliance, check out Payroll Source Plus!
Curtis E. Tatum, Esq., is Director of Federal Payroll Compliance for the APA.
