These are the retirement plan limits the IRS announced for 2026. We checked every figure against the IRS on 1 October 2026.
401k, 403b, governmental 457 and Thrift Savings Plan
| Limit | 2026 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Employee contribution (your own pay) | $24,500 | $23,500 |
| Catch-up, age 50 and over | $8,000 | $7,500 |
| Catch-up, ages 60 to 63 (instead of the 50+ catch-up) | $11,250 | $11,250 |
| Most you can put in at age 50 to 59, or 64 and over | $32,500 | $31,000 |
| Most you can put in at age 60 to 63 | $35,750 | $34,750 |
| Overall limit, you plus your employer (without catch-up) | $72,000 | $70,000 |
| Pay that can be counted (compensation limit) | $360,000 | $350,000 |
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 must be made as Roth contributions. The threshold is adjusted each year; it was $145,000 the year before.
IRAs
| Limit | 2026 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| IRA contribution | $7,500 | $7,000 |
| IRA catch-up, age 50 and over | $1,100 | $1,000 |
SIMPLE plans
| Limit | 2026 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| SIMPLE employee contribution | $17,000 | $16,500 |
| SIMPLE catch-up, age 50 and over | $4,000 | $3,500 |
| SIMPLE catch-up, ages 60 to 63 | $5,250 | $5,250 |
Other numbers sometimes asked about
| Item | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Highly compensated employee threshold | $160,000 |
| Key employee threshold (top-heavy rules) | $235,000 |
| Social Security taxable maximum (wage base) | $184,500 (2025: $176,100) |
How these are used
- Planning your savings? See our 401k contribution limit calculator and the guide to 2026 contribution limits.
- Self-employed? See the solo 401k calculator.
Why limits change
The IRS reviews these limits and raises them when prices rise enough to trigger the cost-of-living rules. We update this page every time the IRS announces new figures, and check it again each year.
401k contribution limit See your own limit and what to save from each paycheck.Sources
- IRS: 401(k) limit increases to $24,500 for 2026, IRA limit increases to $7,500
- IRS Notice 2025-67: 2026 amounts relating to retirement plans and IRAs
- Social Security Administration: 2026 COLA fact sheet
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.