Adjust Text Size

401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) Contribution Limits for 2009

Written by Nickel - 7 Comments

As a followup to my earlier article about Traditional and Roth IRA contribution limits, I wanted to point out that the contribution limits for 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) accounts are changing for 2009. While the limit on elective deferrals remained steady at $15,500 from 2007 to 2008, it’s rising to $16,500 in 2009. Individuals that will be 50 or older by the end of 2009 can make an additional $5,500 in contributions (up from $5,000 in 2008), bringing their total to $22,000. On top of this, the aggregate limit (also referred to as the 415(c) limit), which applies to employee plus employer contributions, is increasing from $46,000 to $49,000.

Disclaimer: Discover is a paid advertiser of this site.
Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. See the Discover online credit card application for full terms and conditions on offers and rewards.

Published on December 8th, 2008 - 7 Comments
Filed under: Retirement

About the author: is the founder and editor-in-chief of this site. He's a thirty-something family man who has been writing about personal finance since 2005, and guess what? He's on Twitter!

Related articles...

» 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) Contribution Limits for 2012
» 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) Contribution Limits for 2011
» 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) Contribution Limits for 2013
» 401(k) Limits to Decrease in 2010?
» 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b) Contribution Limits for 2008
» 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) Contribution Limits for 2010
» Open Enrollment Time
» Roth IRA Income Limits for 2007

Was this article useful? Please sign up to receive our content via e-mail:

You will receive only the daily updates, and can unsubscribe at anytime.

7 Responses to “401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) Contribution Limits for 2009”

  1. 1
    Penny Pinching Mom Says:

    I just discovered your blog today and I really like it. I have a brand new online budget keeping system. If you want to check out my website, it’s http://www.simplymybudget.com

  2. 2
    Trevor Says:

    Meh,

    if hyperinflation hits, then the money they saved extra will be useless.

  3. 3
    AJ Says:

    I heard that there are income limitation on tax-benefits on IRA contributions. Do IRA contributions phase out from being tax deductible at higher salaries?

  4. 4
    Sue Says:

    I have been searching the IRS website to verify the 2009 limits. Publication 571 seems to only discuss annual elective limits through 2008 or did I miss it?? Where on the IRS website can I get the limits for 2009 for 403b?

    Thanks
    Sue

  5. 5
    Patty Says:

    Just found out I owe $1500 to federal for taxes on 2008 income. May I make a deposit to my 403 now and reduce those taxes or is it too late?

  6. 6
    Jeanie Says:

    I understand the contribution limits of a 457 for 2009.
    However, how is it limited as a highly compensated employee? Thanks, Jeanie

  7. 7
    Curtis Chalmers Says:

    There is also a $3,000 life time catch up amount, bringing the potential contribution maximum to $25,000.

Leave a Reply

Top Cards by Category

Earn 100 Reward Dollars after you make $1,000 in purchases in the first three months of Cardmembership.

Earn 25K Membership Rewards(R) points after you spend $2,000 during your first three months of Card membership.

Consumer friendly credit card with a great low rate of 7.25% and save on interest charges. No balance transfer fees and no annual fee.

The new Discover it card is out to change the way people think about credit cards. No annual fee. No overlimit fee. No foreign transaction fee & no pay-by-phone fee. No late fee on your first late payment. And Discover won't increase your APR for paying late.*

The new Discover it card is out to change the way people think about credit cards. No annual fee. No overlimit fee. No foreign transaction fee & no pay-by-phone fee. No late fee on your first late payment. And Discover won't increase your APR for paying late.*

Consumer friendly credit card with a great low rate of 7.25% and save on interest charges. No balance transfer fees and no annual fee.

Limited Time Offer: Get 25,000 Membership Rewards(R) points after you spend $5,000 in the first three months of Card membership. Enroll and select a qualifying airline to receive up to $200 annually in statement credits for incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, charged by the airline.

The new Discover it card is out to change the way people think about credit cards. No annual fee. No overlimit fee. No foreign transaction fee & no pay-by-phone fee. No late fee on your first late payment. And Discover won't increase your APR for paying late.*

Previous
Pause
Next

FiveCentNickel User Survey