Many employee benefits are subject to annual dollar limits that are periodically updated for inflation by the IRS. The following commonly offered employee benefits are subject to these limits:
- High deductible health plans (HDHPs) and health savings accounts (HSAs);
- Health flexible spending accounts (FSAs);
- 401(k) plans; and
- Transportation fringe benefit plans.
The IRS typically announces the dollar limits that will apply for the next calendar year well in advance of the beginning of that year. This gives employers time to update their plan designs and make sure their plan administration will be consistent with the new limits.
Links and Resources
- Revenue Procedure 2020-32: 2021 limits for HSAs and HDHPs
- IRS Notice 2020-79: 2021 limits for retirement plans
- Revenue Procedure 2020-45: 2021 limits for health FSAs, adoption assistance and transportation fringe benefits
Increased Limits
- HSA contributions
- HDHP out-of-pocket maximum limit
- Tax exclusion for adoption assistance benefits
Unchanged Limits
- Tax exclusion for dependent care FSA benefits
- Catch-up contributions to an HSA
- HDHP minimum deductible
- Health FSA limit for employee pre-tax contributions
- Health FSA carryover limit
- Monthly limits for transportation fringe benefit plans
- Employees’ elective deferrals to 401(k) plans, pre-tax and Roth
- Catch-up contributions to a 401(k) plan
Get Assistance
For help in keeping up to date on compliance issues affecting your business as well as business consulting, contact Ollis/Akers/Arney.
This Compliance Overview is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel for legal advice. ©2019-2020 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.
