Maximum Deductible Contribution

Limit allowed by law on employee salary reduction plans. Many pension plans, as well as the popular 401 (k) plan, allow employees to set aside pre-tax dollars in a company-sponsored retirement account, often matched by a company contribution. But the amount contributed by the employee is regulated by law. For example, the maximum annual contribution for the 401 (k) plan, which was $30,000 per year in 1986, was reduced to $7000 by the TAX REFORM ACT OF 1986.