Investment Limits
2024 IRS Deferral Limits
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| 402(g)(1) Elective Deferrals | $23,500 | $23,000 |
| 414(v)(2(B)(i) Catch-up Contributions | $7,500 | $7,500 |
| 401(a)(17)/404(l) Annual Compensation | $350,000 | $345,000 |
| 414(q)(1)(B) HCE Threshold | $160,000 | $155,000 |
| 415(c)(1)(A) DC Limits | $70,000 | $69,000 |
| 457(e)(15) Deferral Limits | $23,500 | $23,000 |
Each year the Internal Revenue Service sets limits on voluntary contribution amounts.
The maximum voluntary contribution level for faculty and staff under 50 years old is $23,000 for 2024. For faculty and staff age 50 and older the maximum voluntary contribution level of $30,500 for 2024.
This limit applies to all voluntary (formerly basic and supplemental) contributions made by a participant to the Vanderbilt University 403(b) Retirement Plan aggregated with any other employer-sponsored plan. For the Vanderbilt University Retirement Plan, mandatory and Vanderbilt’s matching contributions do not count towards the voluntary contribution limit.
For your convenience, Vanderbilt’s payroll processing system will automatically stop deducting contributions from your paycheck once you reach the IRS limit for your age. If you are 50 or older, hired after the first of the year, and would like to contribute to the $30,500 limit, please contact People Experience to ensure that your limit is correctly entered.
Section 415(c) of the Internal Revenue Code
To help employees avoid taxes and penalties, PE collects information each spring regarding contributions made to outside retirement plans to help ensure they don't exceed IRS limits. Those who contribute to a non-Vanderbilt retirement plan through outside businesses in which they are at least a 50 percent owner must complete the 415(c) Aggregation Form. This form collects information relevant to Section 415(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.
To find out if this applies to you, answer these questions:
- Are you eligible to participate in the Vanderbilt University Retirement Plan?
- Do you own a controlling interest (more than 50 percent) in a for-profit business, including sole proprietorship and/or consulting?
- Do you contribute to a qualified retirement plan – such as a 401(k), 401(a) or 403(b) plan – or simplified employee pensions (SEPs) and Keogh plans through that business?
If you answered "yes" to all three questions, please complete and submit the Internal Revenue Code Section 415(c) Aggregation Form to PE no later than April 1 for each year that this applies. While you are responsible for reporting your retirement contributions to the IRS, by collecting this information PE may be able to help you avoid taxes and penalties.
See the IRS website for more information about Section 415.