2028 Defined Benefit Plan Limit
2028 DB Plan / Cash Balance: 415(b) max payout $295,000/year projected. Annual contributions can exceed $300k+ for high-income solo professionals 50+.
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The 2028 Defined Benefit Plan 415(b) annual payout limit is projected at $295,000. Allowable annual funding contribution can be $200,000-$350,000+ for high-income solo professionals close to retirement. Requires actuarial certification and Form 5500. Most powerful pre-tax shelter available.
Who Should Use DB Plans
Best fit: solo professional (MD, lawyer, consultant, founder) age 50+, net income $400k+, already maxing Solo 401(k) + Backdoor Roth + HSA + everything else, and still wants more pre-tax deduction. Cash balance variant offers similar limits with simpler funding.
Setup + Maintenance Cost
$3,000-$8,000 setup + $2,500-$5,000 annual actuarial + Form 5500-EZ + PBGC premiums (~$80/participant). Generally worth it only if annual contributions exceed $100,000.
Combined with 401(k)
DB + Solo 401(k) combo: max ~$73,500 in 401(k) + $200k+ in DB. Total potentially $275k+ deductible. Best plan structure for solo professionals close to retirement.
Termination + Rollover
Terminate after 5 years minimum, roll balance to IRA. Excess assets above 415(b) liability may incur 50% excise tax — pre-fund carefully with actuarial certification.
Last updated May 2026. Sources: IRS DB Plan.