The IRS allows a maximum annual contribution to 401k plans, with a "catch-up" feature if you're over 50;

Question

but tell me, does the dollar amount they set include matching funds from your employer, or is the limit just on what the employee contributes?

Answer 1

the employee contribution limit is called the 402(g) limit and is currently $15,500.  It is indexed and goes up almost annually.  However it will only go up in $500 amounts.  So if the index rises only slightly there may  not be an increase in this limit.  As stated earlier, this only includes employee  contributions.

In addition to that 402(g) limit of $15,500, each account is also subject to another limit called the 415 limit.  This amount includes ALL contributions being made to a persons account.  This limit is currently $46,000.  It too is indexed but in $1000 increments instead of $500.

Each of the above figures does not inlcude the "catch-up" amounts and can be increased accordingly.  

Answer 2

That limit  is for your (employee) contribution.  It's currently $15,500/yr with the $5000 catchup for >50.  (That's the IRS limit, your company can impose certain additional restrictions.)

There are also limits, separately, for the company's contributions.

Answer 3

uh,,,???

Answer 4

The limit does not include employer contributions.

I have already done my $15,500 for the year and my employer kicked in a bunch on top of that.