The Internal Revenue Service has announced cost-of-living adjustments that affect limitations on qualified retirement plans and health plans. The increases take effect on January 1, 2022.

Employee contribution limits (elective deferrals) for 401(k), 403(b), and most 457 plans will increase, but the catch-up contribution limits for employees age 50 and over remain unchanged. The annual benefit limit for defined benefit plans and the contribution limit for defined contribution plans will increase slightly.

The IRS issued the 2022 contribution limits for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and maximum out-of-pocket amounts for High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) in May 2021, although minimum deductibles for HDHPs remained unchanged. A prior client alert indicated that health Flexible Spending Account (FSA) contribution limits would also remain unchanged, but on November 10 the IRS released updated FSA limits for 2022 (increasing by $100, to $2,850). In light of the late release date, many employers retained the 2021 limit of $2,750, to facilitate 2022 open enrollment. The FSA carryover limit continues to be 20% of the annual contribution limit, although special COVID-19 relief gives employers the option to allow employees to carry over their unspent 2021 FSA balance into 2022. See IRS Notice 2021-15. Continue reading >