This question is a part of BIF's Special Webinar series which was created to help students affected by the July 2020 CFP® Exam postponement to September 2020.
Debra, age 50, is an executive with a small but very successful consulting firm. Her salary is $300,000. The company sponsors a money purchase pension plan with a 25% contribution. What will be the contribution made on Debra's behalf this year?
- $75,000
- $19,500
- $57,000
- $71,250
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Correct answer: C. $57,000
Instructor insight:
The maximum covered compensation in any qualified plan benefit formula for 2020 is $285,000. A 25% plan contribution based on $285,000 of covered compensation is $71,250. This, however, exceeds the annual additions limit applicable to all defined contribution plans of $57,000 for 2020.
CFP® Exam insight:
This question requires application of two areas of knowledge about qualified plans. The covered compensation limit of $285,000 (2020) for benefit formulas applies to all qualified plans. A money purchase pension plan is a defined contribution plan, subject to the annual additions limit.
Be mindful of the various rules in play for a given type of plan, but remember knowing whether a plan is a defined contribution plan or a defined benefit plan is critical in solving this type of application question.