4045 / Are contributions to a 403(b) plan aggregated with other defined contribution plan contributions to determine the Section 415 limitation?
Contributions to a 403(b) plan generally do not need to be aggregated with other 401(a) defined contribution plans of the employer in computing the Section 415 limitation. If a person participates in a 401(a) defined contribution plan and also participates in a 403(b) plan of another employer, contributions to both plans must be aggregated for 415 purposes if that participant is in control of either employer.
In applying the IRC Section 415 limit to a combination of a 403(b) annuity and a defined contribution plan of an individual controlled by the employer, each plan separately must meet the limit applicable to it taking into consideration only the compensation from the employer providing the plan. In determining the combined limit, compensation from the controlled employer may be aggregated with that from the employer providing the annuity.1
1. IRC § 415(f).