IRS Pension Plan Limitations and Tax Benefits Adjustments for 2017
The items noted below are some of the more significant adjusted figures for the 2017 tax year. While a number of items have been adjusted by the IRS for the cost of living, it is important to note that many items have remained the same.
What has Changed?
- The tax rate of 39.6% affects married taxpayers filing a joint return whose income exceeds $470,700 and single taxpayers whose income exceeds $418,400.
- The limitation for itemized deductions to be claimed on tax year 2017 returns of married taxpayers filing a joint return begins with income of $313,800 (single taxpayers begins with income of $287,650).
- The personal exemption for tax year 2017 remains unchanged at $4,050. The exemption phase-out begins with income of $313,800 for married taxpayers filing a joint return (single taxpayers begins with income of $261,500).
- Under the small business healthcare tax credit, the maximum credit is phased out based on the employer’s number of full-time equivalent employees in excess of ten (10) and the employer’s average annual wages in excess of $26,200 for tax year 2017, up from $25,900 for 2016.
- The Alternative Minimum Tax exemption amount for 2017 has increased to $84,500 for married taxpayers filing a joint return, with phase out beginning at $160,900. The amount for single taxpayers is $54,300 with phase out set to begin at $120,700.
- Qualified transportation benefits have been increased in 2017. Employees will be able to exclude up to $255 per month for qualified parking expenses and still up to $255 a month for the combined value of transit passes and transportation in a commuter highway vehicle.
- Estates with decedents, who passed away in 2017, have an exclusion amount of $5,490,000, which represents an increase from the 2016 amount of $5,450,000.
- The annual dollar limit on employee contributions to employer-sponsored healthcare flexible spending arrangements (FSA) has increased from $2,550 in 2016 to $2,600 in 2017.
- The maximum earnings subject to the Social Security component of the FICA tax will increase to $127,200 in 2017; up from $118,500 in 2016. This represents an increase of over 7%.
- Effective January 1, 2017, the limitation on the annual benefit under a defined benefit plan under Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) §415(b)(1)(A) has been increased to $215,000 from $210,000 in 2016.
- The limitation for defined contribution plans under IRC §415(c)(1)(A) has been increased to $54,000 in 2017 from $53,000 in 2016.
What has not Changed?
- The elective deferral (contribution) limit for employees who participate in IRC §401(k), §403(b), most §457 plans, and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan remains the same at $18,000.
- The catch-up contribution limit for employees aged 50 and over who participate in IRC §401(k), §403(b), most §457 plans, and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan remains the same at $6,000.
- The limitation under IRC §408(p)(2)(E) regarding SIMPLE retirement accounts remains the same at $12,500.
- The limit on annual contributions to an Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) remains unchanged at $5,500. The additional catch-up contribution limit for individuals aged 50 and over is not subject to an annual cost-of-living adjustment and remains at $1,000.
- The annual exclusion for gifts remains at $14,000 for 2017.
For a complete list of 2017 inflation adjusted and other important tax figures and items including, but not limited to, updated 2017 tax tables, personal exemptions, adoption credit exclusions and various penalties for failure to file and failure to file correct returns please refer to Revenue Procedure 2016-55 which can be accessed at https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rp-16-55.pdf.
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The information contained herein is not necessarily all inclusive, does not constitute legal or any other advice, and should not be relied upon without first consulting with appropriate qualified professionals for your individual facts and circumstances.
