Don't count on contributing more to your 401(k) plan in 2001 than you did last year.
The maximum amount allowed under the law will remain $10,500, according to the new inflation-adjusted limits announced by the Internal Revenue Service. But participants in SIMPLE retirement plans will be able to stash $6,500 this year, up $500 from last year; and participants in 457 plans will be able to contribute $8,500 a year, up from $8,000.
At the same time, employers and employees will be able to contribute up to $35,000 to all defined contribution plans, up from $30,000 last year, and participants will be able to receive up to $140,000 a year in pensions from defined benefit plans, up from $135,000 last year.
