In October, the IRS announced the cost-of-living adjustments to dollar limitations for 2013 retirement plans. Xenium partner, Principal, provided us with a year over year comparison of the limits taking effect January 1, 2013.

 Limit 2012 2013
Compensation Limit $250,000 $255,000
Defined Contribution §415 Limit $50,000 $51,000
Defined Benefit §415 Limit $200,000 $205,000
Key Employee Officer $165,000 $165,000
Highly Compensated Employee $115,000 $115,000
Governmental Plan Compensation Limit $375,000 $380,000
ESOP §409(o) Limits $1,015,000 $1,035,000
$200,000 $205,000

Elective deferral contributions also increased slightly in a few areas. Below is a table outlining the year over year changes.

 Limit 2012 2013
401(k), 403(b), 457(b) Plan Deferral Limit $17,000 $17,500
401(k), 403(b), governmental 457(b) Catch-up Limit $ 5,500 $ 5,500
Simple Plan Deferral Limit $11,500 $12,000
Simple Plan Catch-up Limit $ 2,500 $ 2,500

Other noteworthy changes:
– Traditional and Roth IRAs increase from $5,000 to $5,500. IRA catch-up contributions (contributions for individuals age 50 and over) remains at $1,000.
– The taxable wage base for Social Security is rising from $110,000 to $113,700 in 2013.
Sources:
http://www.principal.com
http://www.irs.gov/uac/2013-Pension-Plan-Limitations