Financial Planning

New Savings and Gifting Limits for 2022

June 23, 2022
How new contribution and exemption limits can help further reduce your taxes.

Tax-advantaged gifting and saving are two popular ways to reduce taxes—within the limits set by the IRS. This year, those limits were increased nearly across the board (with one notable exception), allowing taxpayers to shelter even more of their wealth from Uncle Sam. Here's a look at the 2022 limits—and why you should strive to take advantage of any increases.

Tax-advantaged savings accounts

With inflation at its highest level in decades, failing to increase your contributions alongside rising limits could mean you're actually falling behind on your savings goals.

Tax-advantaged savings accounts

With inflation at its highest level in decades, failing to increase your contributions alongside rising limits could mean you're actually falling behind on your savings goals.

  • Type
  • 2021 limit
  • 2022 limit
  • Change
  • Type
    401(k), 403(b), 457(b), and their Roth equivalents 
  • 2021 limit
    $19,500 ($26,000 for those 50 and older) 
  • 2022 limit
    $20,500 ($27,000 for those 50 and older1) 
  • Change
    +$1,000 
  • Type
    Traditional and Roth IRAs 
  • 2021 limit
    $6,000 ($7,000 for those 50 and older)
  • 2022 limit
    $6,000 ($7,000 for those 50 and older)
  • Change
    No change 
  • Type
    Health savings account (individual) 
  • 2021 limit
    $3,600 ($4,600 for those 55 and older)
  • 2022 limit
    $3,650 ($4,650 for those 55 and older)
  • Change
    +$50 
  • Type
    Health savings account (family)2 
  • 2021 limit
    $7,200 ($8,200 for those 55 and older)
  • 2022 limit
    $7,300 ($8,300 for those 55 and older)
  • Change
    +$100 
  • Type
    SEP-IRA3 and overall defined contribution plan limit4 
  • 2021 limit
    $58,000 
  • 2022 limit
    $61,000 
  • Change
    +$3,000 
  • Type
    SIMPLE IRA and SIMPLE 401(k) 
  • 2021 limit
    $13,500 
  • 2022 limit
    $14,000 
  • Change
    +$500

1SECURE Act 2.0, if passed, would increase the catchup contribution for those ages 62 through 64 to $10,000 per year (indexed to inflation) starting in 2024.

2For couples where both spouses are age 55 or older, only the account owner of a family HSA can make a catch-up contribution of $1,000. However, if both spouses have their own HSA (family or individual), they can each contribute $1,000 to their respective accounts. 

3SEP-IRA contributions are limited to the lesser of 25% of the employee's compensation or the annual limit. The limit for owners is the lesser of 20% of net income or the annual limit.

4Includes 401(k) and 403(b) plans. Does not include 457(b) plans.

Gift and estate taxes

With the current estate tax exemption due to be halved in 2026, many estates could face bigger tax bills in the coming years—but maximizing annual gifts to heirs can help.

Gift and estate taxes

With the current estate tax exemption due to be halved in 2026, many estates could face bigger tax bills in the coming years—but maximizing annual gifts to heirs can help.

  • Type 
  • 2021 limit 
  • 2022 limit 
  • Change
  • Type 
    Annual gift tax exclusion 
  • 2021 limit 
    $15,000 per recipient 
  • 2022 limit 
    $16,000 per recipient 
  • Change
    +$1,000
  • Type 
    Lifetime gift and estate tax exemption (individual) 
  • 2021 limit 
    $11.7 million 
  • 2022 limit 
    $12.06 million 
  • Change
    +$360,000
  • Type 
    Lifetime gift and estate tax exemption (married filing jointly) 
  • 2021 limit 
    $23.4 million 
  • 2022 limit 
    $24.12 million 
  • Change
    +$720,000

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The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.

All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed.

Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.

This information does not constitute and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, Schwab recommends consultation with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner, or investment manager.

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