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CLIENT ALERT: IRS Announces 401(k) and HSA Contribution Limits for 2020

Client Alert

With 2020 just around the corner, the IRS announced important information for the upcoming year for both 401(k) Contributions and Health Saving Accounts (HSAs).

401(k) Contribution limits for 2020

Employee 401(k) contributions for 2020 will increase by $500 to $19,500, while the total for employer plus employee contribution limit increases by $1,000 to $57,000.

For participants ages 50 and over, the "catch-up" contribution limit will rise to $6,500, up by $500.

HSA Contribution limits for 2020

The annual limit on deductible contributions is $3,550 for individuals with self-only coverage under an HDHP (a $50 increase from 2019) and $7,100 for family coverage (a $100 increase from 2019).

The limits on annual deductibles are also subject to annual inflation adjustments. For 2020, the lower limit on the annual deductible for an HDHP is $1,400 for self-only coverage and $2,800 for family coverage, both increased from 2019. The upper limit for out-of-pocket expenses is $6,900 for self-only coverage and $13,800 for family coverage, both increased from 2019

The new limits will take effect January 1, 2020, HR and payroll managers should plan to adjust their systems for the new year and inform employees about the new limits - especially for those with a year-end open enrollment.

For questions about your 401(k) Plan or Health Savings Accounts, the recent changes to IRS Contribution Limits, or any other Tax questions, please contact Priscilla A. Grant, Esq.

 

 


New Ohio Reporting Requirements for Non-Residential Contractors

Ohio’s E-Verify Workforce Integrity Act, effective March 19, 2026, requires all nonresidential construction companies, subcontractors, and labor brokers to use E-Verify to confirm employee work eligibility on projects across the state. The law applies regardless of company size and carries financial penalties and potential restrictions on future state contracts for noncompliance. Some uncertainty remains around requirements for existing employees, making early compliance planning important.

DOT Non-Domiciled CDL Rule

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FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule Now in Effect

FinCEN’s new Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule, effective March 1, 2026, requires certain real estate transfers to be reported to combat financial crimes. Transfers of residential property to entities or trusts without financing may require a Real Estate Report.

Department of Education Proposes Redefinition of “Professional Degree,” Excluding Nursing and Limiting Graduate Loan Borrowing

The U.S. Department of Education has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would redefine “professional degree” programs under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The proposal excludes nursing from the recognized list and would impose new borrowing limits for graduate students while eliminating the Grad PLUS program. Public comments are due by March 2, 2026.

First-of-Its-Kind Federal Ruling Finds Use of Consumer AI Tool May Destroy Attorney-Client Privilege

On February 10, 2026, Judge Jed Rakoff of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York issued a first-of-its-kind ruling finding that documents generated by a criminal defendant using a consumer AI platform were not protected by attorney-client privilege after being shared with counsel. The court treated the AI tool as a third party, concluding that entering sensitive information into a publicly available platform may waive confidentiality. The ruling also suggests that the work product doctrine may not apply where AI-generated materials are created independently by a client rather than at counsel’s direction. The decision signals that parties should exercise caution when using consumer AI tools in connection with legal matters.