Hey all,

I need some help with a tax issue. I detailed everything here:

http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2007/05/2 ... 15c-limit/

It's kind of long, so I won't entirely re-explain it here, but my primary question has to do with whether or not the 415(c) retirement contribution limit is applied on a per employer basis (it looks like I may hit the limit at work, or nearly so, and would also like to contribute to a SEP-IRA based on self-employment income).

There is also a sub-question about whether or not my compulsory defined contribution plan at work counts toward this limit -- my guess is "no" since it doesn't appear to be an elective deferral.

But like I said, the situation is sort of long and convoluted, so you really need to read my post to fully appreciate the situation.

I'm looking for a concrete answer here, so if you disagree with the my conclusions, please do your best to support your view with information from the IRS. Likewise, if you agree, it would be great if you could point out why.

Thanks, nickel

Nickel, did you ever get help on this? I saw you posted at the MBN forums, too. If not, I can ask my CPA to look at your predicament.

Have you tried the tax forum on Craigslist? Quality can be a bit touch and go but I know some of the people that post there and there are some smart cookies. The good (bad?) thing is that if someone posts something that is incorrect they are quickly called out and it can turn into an educational debate (or not, depending on the participants).

Well, I posted it on my site and a 403(b)/457(b) expert responded (and we then exchanged e-mails afterward). I posted what I believe to be the final answer (more or less -- it's the tax code, after all) today:

http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2007/05/3 ... 15c-limit/

Thanks for the followup, though.