Student Question of the Week: Retirement Planning
Student Question from: Steve
Course: Retirement Planning – SEP Employer Contributions
Student Question:
Dan, should the second paragraph below say, “…the lesser of 100% of covered compensation…”, and NOT 25%? Thanks!
While the funding amount can be at the sponsor’s discretion, the actual contribution structure is inflexible and is generally a uniform percentage of compensation. Contributions cannot be made in favor of highly compensated employees.
The maximum annual contribution to an individual’s account is the Defined Contribution limit [i.e., the lesser of 25% of covered compensation or $50,000 (in 2012, as indexed)]. The plan formula can be integrated with Social Security.
Instructor Response:
Hey Steve,
This is among the most confusing “basic” rules out there! All of these rules are why I hated this section when I was studying for the board exam back in the day. Anyways, 25% is actually correct. The maximum contribution to a SEP IRA is indeed the lesser of 25% of compensation or $51,000 (2013). SEP IRA’s are not qualified plans. All SEP’s are SEP IRA’s.
The maximum contribution to a qualified defined contribution category plan is the lesser of 100% of compensation or $51,000 (2013). Noteworthy, the plan sponsor can actually contribute more than the sponsor may deduct in most cases. The sponsor of a qualified defined contribution plan may deduct only 25% of aggregate covered compensation. Covered compensation is compensation below the covered compensation limit of $255,000 in 2013.
Hope that helps!
