# 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.

- URL: https://2search.in/knowledge/articles/oct-26/401k-ira-contribution-limits-2026
- Genre: Personal finance
- Country: United States
- Published: 2026-10-27
- Updated: 2026-10-27
- Publisher: 2search (https://2search.in)

> **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](/401k-contribution-limits-2027) — $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.

 and IRA contribution limits for 2026 (full table)", displaying 2026 realistic price spectrums, hardware versus labor allocation, step-by-step workflow, clean modern UI cards, high precision vector layout.")



![401(k) and IRA contribution limits for 2026 (full table) Breakdown & Visual Guide](/images/articles/401k-ira-contribution-limits-2026/diagram.svg)

## 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:

1. **401(k) up to the employer match** — it's an instant, guaranteed return.
2. **Pay off high-interest debt** (credit cards).
3. **Build an emergency fund** of 3–6 months. See [how much you need](/emergency-fund-how-much).
4. **HSA**, if you have a high-deductible health plan — tax-free in, growth and out for medical costs.
5. **Roth or traditional IRA** up to $7,500 (or $8,600 at 50+). See [Roth vs traditional IRA](/roth-vs-traditional-ira).
6. **Back to the 401(k)** up to the $24,500 limit.
7. **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](/compound-interest-explained).

## 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.

## Sources

- [IRS — Retirement topics: 401(k) and profit-sharing plan contribution limits](https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-401k-and-profit-sharing-plan-contribution-limits)
- [401(k) Specialist — IRS announces 2026 limits (Notice 2025-67)](https://401kspecialistmag.com/irs-announces-2026-401k-contribution-limit-increases-to-24500-ira-limit-up-to-7500/)
- [IRS — IRA deduction limits](https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/ira-deduction-limits)
- [IRS — Roth IRAs](https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/roth-iras)