The IRS adjusts 401k limits most years to keep up with prices. Here is what applies in 2026, in plain English.
The basic limit
In 2026 you can put up to $24,500 of your own pay into a 401k. That is up from $23,500 in 2025. The limit covers your contributions from all sources of this type, whether pre-tax or Roth.
Catch-up contributions
If you are 50 or older, you can add a catch-up contribution of $8,000 in 2026. That brings your limit to $32,500.
Under a rule from the SECURE 2.0 Act, people who are 60, 61, 62 or 63 in 2026 get a higher catch-up of $11,250 instead of the $8,000. Their limit is $35,750.
| Your age in 2026 | Most you can put in |
|---|---|
| Under 50 | $24,500 |
| 50 to 59, and 64 or older | $32,500 |
| 60 to 63 | $35,750 |
The Roth catch-up rule
From 2026, if your Social Security (FICA) wages from the employer that sponsors your plan were over $150,000 in the previous year, your catch-up contributions have to be made as Roth (after-tax) contributions. Your regular contributions can still be pre-tax or Roth. If your plan does not offer a Roth option, higher earners may not be able to make catch-up contributions at all.
The overall limit
There is also a cap on all money going into your account in a year, from you and your employer together. In 2026 it is $72,000, not counting catch-up contributions. Your employer's match does not count toward your own $24,500 limit, but it does count toward this overall cap.
If you have more than one 401k
Your own $24,500 limit applies to you, not to each plan. If you change jobs mid-year, the contributions you made at both employers count toward the same limit. Keep track of the total.
Going over the limit
If you put in too much, you should tell your plan and ask for the extra to be returned (with any earnings) by the deadline. Extra contributions that are left in can be taxed twice. Your plan administrator can help.
Plan your paycheck
A simple way to hit your goal is to work backwards. Divide the amount you want to save by the number of paychecks you get in a year. Our contribution calculator does this for you, and shows what the contribution could save you in tax.
What to remember
- The limit is for your own contributions. The match is extra.
- Catch-up amounts depend on your age this year.
- Higher earners aged 50 and over should check whether catch-up must be Roth.
- Limits change most years. We review ours every time the IRS announces new ones. See the table on our 2026 limits page.
Sources
This article is for education and is not financial, tax or legal advice. Figures are checked against the sources above and may change. Read the full disclaimer.