More Employers Let Workers Max Out 401(k)s

A recent survey of 401(k) practices found that 68% of employers allow employees to contribute 25% or more of their earnings into their 401(k) plan, according to marketing research company Business and Legal Resources.

This is up from a similar 2006 survey, which found that 58% of organizations allowed high contribution levels.

The maximum amount that the IRS currently permits people to contribute to their 401(k) each year is $16,500. For those 50 or older, the additional catch-up contribution is another $5,500, for a maximum total of $22,000 a year.

The survey also found that 22% of employers do not match 401(k) contributions, 32% match between 2% and 4% of salaries, and 33% match up to 6%. Among the organizations that match 401(k) contributions, 59% reported they match at least 50 cents on the dollar.

The survey was conducted by BLR’s HR Daily Advisor in November 2009 and received more than 1,000 responses. BLR said 75% of the responses came from companies with fewer than 500 employees.

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