Each year, at about this time, the Internal Revenue Service and Social Security Administration issue numbers for various transactions and planning for 2008. Here are a handful of those numbers:

Social Security wage base for 2008: $102,000, up from $97,500 in 2007.

Cost of living Social Sceurity benefit increase: 2.3%

Maximum Social Security benefit at full retirement: $2,185 per month, up from $2,116.

Maximum contribution to defined contribution retirement plans: $46,000 per year, up from $45,000.

Maximum 401(k) deferral amount: unchanged at $15,500 per year.

Fringe benefit exclusion for commuting costs: $115; for parking, $220.

Annual gift tax exclusion: unchanged at $12,000.

These and many other numbers will be included in our benefits card, which will be issued shortly. If you would like to receive that card, at no cost, please send an e-mail to rlouis@saul.com.