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Trying to avoid IRS labeling me an HCE again like in 2024 (last year was restricted from contributing to my ROTH 401K)

I asked my company and they did not have a clue, likely because they let Fidelity manages the 401K.

What is shown below is the top part of my W-2 form (replaced actual $ amounts with ####.##)

Followed by my last paycheck stub for 2025, I know the total needs to stay below $160k, worked less hours last year to avoid HCE for this year, but left a lot of money on the table, so want to calculate my salary for this year more accurately.

AI states how to add this up (I only believe AI 70% of the time, I see errors here added as underlined)

1. Start with Gross Salary (W-2 Box 1:( Take your 2025 W-2 taxable wages.

2. Add back 401(k) contributions: Add back any money you contributed to a 401(k) (as this is included in HCE definitions). Not quite correct, you only add back in the Pre-tax (BEFORE TAX DEDDUCTIONS)

3. Add back pre-tax benefits: Add back salary reductions for medical, dental, or FSA (Cafeteria Plan contributions). Again, only add back in Pre-tax (BEFORE TAX DEDDUCTIONS

4. Exclude Company Match: Do not include any 401(k) match or profit-sharing contributions made by your employer. (these are labeled as “EMPLOYER PAID BENEFITS BELOW”, I think?

5. Result: If this total exceeds $160,000 (for 2025 look-back to 2026 HCE status), you are an HCE.

 

Two questions below
 1.) My HCE being <$160k is these two numbers added together? (green)

 2.) Not the same amount due to my 401k pretax contribution? (red):
Sorry for having to split the image up to post it here.......

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