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401(k) and IRA contribution limits for 2026 (full table)
2026 limits: $24,500 401(k), $8,000 catch-up at 50+, $11,250 at 60–63, $7,500 IRA + $1,100 catch-up. Roth income limits, deduction phase-outs and the new Roth catch-up rule.
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Quick answer: For 2026, you can put up to $24,500 into a 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457 or TSP. If you're 50 or older, add $8,000 (total $32,500); if you're 60–63, the catch-up is $11,250 (total $35,750). The IRA limit is $7,500, plus $1,100 catch-up at 50+. Roth IRA contributions phase out at $153,000–$168,000 (single) and $242,000–$252,000 (married filing jointly).
Good to know: Planning for next year? See the 2027 401(k) and IRA limits — $25,500 is expected.
Key takeaways
- Every major limit went up for 2026 except the age 60–63 "super catch-up".
- The 401(k) and IRA limits are separate — you can max out both.
- Total 401(k) contributions from you and your employer can reach $72,000.
- From 2026, if you earned more than about $150,000 in FICA wages the year before, your 401(k) catch-up must go into Roth.
- You have until the tax filing deadline (April 15, 2027) to make 2026 IRA contributions.
The IRS raises retirement plan limits most years to keep up with inflation. Here's every 2026 limit in one place, what they mean for you, and a simple order for deciding where to put your next dollar.
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2026 workplace plan limits
| Limit | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Employee deferral — 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), TSP | $23,500 | $24,500 |
| Catch-up, age 50+ | $7,500 | $8,000 |
| "Super catch-up", age 60–63 | $11,250 | $11,250 |
| Max employee total, age 50–59 or 64+ | $31,000 | $32,500 |
| Max employee total, age 60–63 | $34,750 | $35,750 |
| Total additions (you + employer), 415(c) | $70,000 | $72,000 |
| SIMPLE IRA / SIMPLE 401(k) | $16,500 | $17,000 |
| SIMPLE catch-up, 50+ | $3,500 | $4,000 |
| SIMPLE catch-up, 60–63 | $5,250 | $5,250 |
The 60–63 super catch-up applies if you turn 60, 61, 62 or 63 during the year. At 64 you go back to the regular catch-up.
2026 IRA limits
| Limit | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| IRA contribution (traditional + Roth combined) | $7,000 | $7,500 |
| IRA catch-up, age 50+ | $1,000 | $1,100 |
| Max total, age 50+ | $8,000 | $8,600 |
You can't contribute more than your earned income for the year. A non-working spouse can contribute through a spousal IRA based on the working spouse's income.
Roth IRA income limits for 2026
Your ability to contribute directly to a Roth IRA depends on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI):
| Filing status | Full contribution | Partial | No direct contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single / head of household | Under $153,000 | $153,000–$168,000 | $168,000+ |
| Married filing jointly | Under $242,000 | $242,000–$252,000 | $252,000+ |
| Married filing separately | — | $0–$10,000 | $10,000+ |
Above the limit, many people use a "backdoor Roth": contribute to a non-deductible traditional IRA, then convert it to Roth. Watch the pro-rata rule if you have other pre-tax IRA money.
Traditional IRA deduction limits for 2026
Anyone with earned income can contribute to a traditional IRA. Whether it's tax-deductible depends on income and whether you (or your spouse) have a workplace plan:
| Your situation | Full deduction | Partial deduction | No deduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single, covered by a workplace plan | Under $81,000 | $81,000–$91,000 | $91,000+ |
| Married filing jointly, you're covered | Under $129,000 | $129,000–$149,000 | $149,000+ |
| Married filing jointly, only your spouse is covered | Under $242,000 | $242,000–$252,000 | $252,000+ |
| Not covered and spouse not covered | Full deduction at any income | — | — |
New in 2026: Roth catch-up for higher earners
Under SECURE 2.0, starting in 2026, if your FICA wages from the same employer were above the threshold (about $150,000 for 2025 wages), your 401(k)/403(b)/457 catch-up contributions must be made as Roth (after-tax). Your regular $24,500 can still be pre-tax.
If your plan doesn't offer a Roth option, it may not let high earners make catch-up contributions at all. Check with HR or your plan provider.
Other limits worth knowing (2026)
| Account | 2026 limit |
|---|---|
| HSA (self-only coverage) | $4,400 |
| HSA (family coverage) | $8,750 |
| HSA catch-up, 55+ | $1,000 |
| Saver's Credit income limit — married filing jointly | $80,500 |
| Saver's Credit — head of household | $60,375 |
| Saver's Credit — single | $40,250 |
Where should your next dollar go?
A common order that works for most people:
- 401(k) up to the employer match — it's an instant, guaranteed return.
- Pay off high-interest debt (credit cards).
- Build an emergency fund of 3–6 months. See how much you need.
- HSA, if you have a high-deductible health plan — tax-free in, growth and out for medical costs.
- Roth or traditional IRA up to $7,500 (or $8,600 at 50+). See Roth vs traditional IRA.
- Back to the 401(k) up to the $24,500 limit.
- Taxable brokerage account for anything extra.
Example: Contributing the full $24,500 a year for 30 years at a 7% average return could grow to about $2.3 million — before any employer match. Even half that amount grows to over $1.1 million. That's the power of compound interest.
Deadlines
| Contribution | Deadline for 2026 |
|---|---|
| 401(k), 403(b), 457 employee deferrals | Through payroll by December 31, 2026 |
| Traditional and Roth IRA | April 15, 2027 (tax filing deadline, no extension) |
| HSA | April 15, 2027 |
| SEP IRA (employer) | Tax deadline including extensions |
Common mistakes
- Not getting the full employer match. It's part of your pay.
- Over-contributing when you change jobs mid-year. The $24,500 limit is per person across all employers — you must track it.
- Contributing to a Roth IRA above the income limit. Excess contributions face a 6% penalty each year until fixed.
- Missing the IRA deadline — you can't make up a missed year later.
- Forgetting catch-up when you turn 50 or 60.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 401(k) limit for 2026?
$24,500 for employee contributions, plus $8,000 catch-up at 50+ or $11,250 at ages 60–63.
What is the IRA limit for 2026?
$7,500, plus a $1,100 catch-up if you're 50 or older — $8,600 total.
Can I contribute to both a 401(k) and an IRA?
Yes. The limits are separate. Your income may limit the IRA deduction or Roth eligibility.
What is the Roth IRA income limit for 2026?
Phase-out ranges are $153,000–$168,000 for single filers and $242,000–$252,000 for married couples filing jointly.
Does the employer match count toward the $24,500 limit?
No. Employer contributions count toward the $72,000 total limit, not your employee limit.
Can I contribute to a 2026 IRA in 2027?
Yes, until the April 15, 2027 tax filing deadline.
What happens if I contribute too much?
Withdraw the excess (and its earnings) before the tax deadline to avoid penalties. For 401(k) excess deferrals, tell your plan by early in the following year.