Retirement Plan and HSA Limit Increases for 2015

The numbers were released back in October, but the first week of January is the time where many folks increase their automatic deferrals into 401k plans and other tax favorable accounts. With that said,we thought it would be timely to remind everyone of the increase in limits for 2015. Below is a brief summary of the most common accounts we see. You can visit the IRS for more details (links at the bottom of this post).

401K
Annual deferral limit increases from $17,500 to $18,000. The catch-up increases from $5,500 to $6,000

IRA
The limits went unchanged at $5,500 and $1,000 for catch-up contributions

SIMPLE IRA
The maximum contributions increased from $12,000 t0 $12,500 and the catch-up contribution increased from $2,500 to $3,000

SEP IRA
The maximum contribution increased from $52,000 to $53,000


HSA (Health Savings Account)
For self only coverage, the contribution limit is $3,350 and for families it  is $6,650. This is up from $3,300 and $6,550 respectively. For those over age 55, there  is an additional allowance of $1,000


Click here for a link directly to the IRS publication regarding qualified plan contributions.

Click here for a link directly to the IRS publication regarding HSA contributions.

Year End Tax Planning

Looking for some opportunities to do some year end tax planning?  Below is a link to 2 great lists from Samet & Co., a CPA firm in the Boston area.  This is one of the best lists we've seen this year outlining strategies for actions you can take before year end.  One for individuals and one for businesses.

Tax Planning 2014: 15 Tax Planning Strategies for Individuals

Tax Planning 2014: 10 Tax Planning Strategies for Businesses & Business Owners

Some of the highlights include:

Considering a Roth Conversion in lower income years.
Making gifts to charity - specifically gifts of low basis stock.
Realizing gains or losses on investments