Simple IRA match

I can never get my head around the matching formula. I am looking for clarity regarding the compensation used to determine 3% match

SIMPLE IRA plan effective April 2022

1. Do I use the compensation from the effective date (April 2022) through 12/31? or January 1 – December 31?
2. A participant has comp in excess of $500,000. My understanding is the annual compensation limit of $305,000 doesn’t apply to the match (but it does apply to the nonelective). Therefore, is the match based on 3% of $500,000 ($15,000). That doesn’t seem correct as the match would be in excess of the deferral amount of $14,000 –

Thank you



  1. Use the compensation for the entire calendar year.
  2. No matter how much the participant makes, the matching contribution is limited to their salary reduction contributions. It’s 3% of comp or the salary reduction contribution amount, whatever amount is less. In this case, the salary reduction contribution amount is less.

Add new comment

Log in or register to post comments