The IRS has announced the cost-of-living adjustments to dollar limitations for retirement plans for 2012. Here is a look at the changes from 2011 to 2012:
| Limit | 2011 | 2012 |
| Compensation Limit | $245,000 | $250,000 |
| Defined Contribution Limit | $49,000 | $50,000 |
| Defined Benefit Limit | $195,000 | $200,000 |
| Key Employee Officer | $160,000 | $165,000 |
| Highly Compensated Employee | $11,000 | $115,000 |
| Governmental | $360,000 | $375,000 |
| ESOP Limits | $985,000$195,000 | $1,015,000$200,000 |
Elective Deferral and Catch-up Limited for 2012:
| Limit | 2011 | 2012 |
| 401(k), 403(b), 457(b) Plan Deferral Limit | $16,500 | $17,000 |
| 401(k), 403(b), 457(b) Catch-up Limit | $5,500 | $5,500 |
| Simple Plan Deferral Limit | $11,500 | $11,500 |
| Simple Plan Catch-up Limit | $2,500 | $2,500 |
IRA Limits
For 2012, Traditional and Roth IRAs remain at $5,000; catch-up contributions remain at $1,000 for those that are 55 or older.
Sources: Principal Financial Group, IRS