Pension Plan Contributions
 
401(k), 403(b) and 457 Plans
 
 
 
Maximum annual contribution to 401(k), 403(b) and 457 plans
 
$16,500
 
Catch up contribution for those aged 50 and over
 
$5,500
 
Maximum for those aged 50 and over
 
$22,000
 
 
 
 
 
IRAs: Roth and Contributory
 
 
 
Maximum annual IRA contribution*
 
$5,000
 
Catch up contribution for those aged 50 and over
 
$1,000
 
Maximum for those aged 50 and over
 
$6,000
 
 
*Up to $5,000 can also be made for non-working spouse.
 
 
 
 
SIMPLE IRA: Employee Deferral
 
 
 
Maximum annual contribution
 
$11,500
 
Catch up contribution
 
$2,500
 
Maximum for those aged 50 and over
 
$14,000
 
 
 
 
 
SEP-IRA
 
 
 
Maximum annual contribution
 
$49,000
 
 
 
 
 
Social Security
 

Social Security benefits will not increase in 2010. The age at which one can collect full benefits is also increasing. For those born in 1941, full retirement is age 65 years and 8 months; for those born in 1942, it’s 65 years and 10 months. For those born between 1943 and 1954, full retirement age is 66. Full retirement age will gradually increase to 67 for those born in 1960 and later.    

 

Retirement earnings tests are imposed on individuals who are working and collecting Social Security benefits. The maximum amount of earnings to still receive full benefits is as follows:

  • Full retirement age: no limit on earnings
  • Year full retirement age is reached: $37,680. For every dollar earned over this $37,680 threshold, $1 in benefits for every $3 in benefits will be withheld (or taxed).
  • If you are under full retirement age, your earnings limit is $14,160. For every dollar earned over this threshold, $1 in benefits will be withheld (or taxed) for every $2 over the $14,160.

Medicare Premiums
 

The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance, which pays part of the cost of doctors' bills and outpatient care) will increase in 2010 to $110.50. In accordance with the passage of the Medicare Modernization Act, beneficiaries with high MAGI (modified adjusted gross income) will be required to pay more towards their Medicare benefits. This new law requires that the standard monthly premium for Part B must be sufficient to cover at least 25% of the Medicare program's cost for aged beneficiaries, including the cost of maintaining a reserve for unexpected spending increases. The federal government pays the remaining 75%.

 
MAGI Range for single taxpayers
MAGI Range for couples filing jointly
Part B Cost
$85,000 - $107,000
$170,000 - $214,000
$154.70
$107,000 - $160,000
$214,000 - $320,000
$221.00
$160,000 - $213,000
$320,000 - $426,000
$287.30
Over $213,000
Over $426,000
$353.60
 

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