What changed
The IRS raised the main retirement limits for 2026.
| Limit | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Employee 401(k) contribution | $24,500 |
| Catch-up, age 50 and over | $8,000 |
| Catch-up, ages 60 to 63 | $11,250 |
| Total added to a 401(k), without catch-up | $72,000 |
| IRA contribution | $7,500 |
| IRA catch-up, age 50 and over | $1,100 |
What it means for you
- If you are 50 or older, you can put in more than $32,000 in 2026.
- If you are 60 to 63, a higher catch-up amount applies instead of the usual one.
- If you earned more than $150,000 in Social Security wages in the prior year, your catch-up contributions must go into a Roth account.
Check your own number
How much can you put in, and what happens if your employer matches? Use the 401(k) contribution limit calculator and the 401(k) calculator.
Read more: 401(k) contribution limits explained.
401k calculator See how the new limit changes your savings.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.