In IR-2008-118, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced an increase for 2009 to the Highly Compensated Employee Limitation under §414(q)(1)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Non-discrimination testing in some types of retirement plans limits the deferral rate of “highly compensated employees” (HCEs) based upon the deferral rate (ADP) of the “non-highly compensated employees”. For 2009, an HCE is anyone who was a “5-percent owner” at any time during 2008 or 2009 or anyone who received in excess of $105,000 in compensation during 2008 and, if elected by the employer, is in the top twenty percent of employees based upon compensation. The HCE limit was $100,000 for 2007 and 2008 plan testing. Since the law includes a look-back provision, employees who earned more than $100,000 in 2007 are generally considered HCEs for 2008 plan year testing, employees who will earn more than $105,000 in 2008 are generally considered HCEs for 2009 plan year testing, and employees who will earn more than $110,000 in 2009 are generally considered HCEs for 2010 plan year testing. Contact Vision Payroll if you have questions on changes to the HCE definition for 2008 and 2009, visit Important Facts and Figures, or get updated information for 2009 and 2010.