By Gayle Sato
Edited by Michelle Tipsword401(k) and IRA Contribution Limits for 2026
Quick Answer
In 2026, 401(k) contributions are limited to $24,500 and IRA contributions are limited to $7,500. Catch-up contributions for older workers increase total contributions by $1,100 to $11,250.
The IRS has raised retirement contribution limits. In 2026, the contribution limit for 401(k) plans is $24,500; IRA contributions are limited to $7,500. Contribution limits are up across the board compared to 2025.
People ages 50 and older can make additional catch-up contributions of $8,000 to their 401(k) accounts and $1,100 to their traditional and Roth IRAs. A temporary $11,250 "super catch-up" 401(k) contribution is available to people ages 60 to 63 in 2026 as well.
Get the plan-by-plan details on retirement contributions below.
401(k) Contribution Limits for 2026
New 2026 contribution limits for 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457 and the federal government's thrift savings plans have increased to $24,500, up from $23,500 in 2025. People ages 50 and older can make an additional catch-up contribution of $8,000.
Here's a summary of what you can contribute:
- 2026 contribution limit (49 and under): $24,500
- 2026 catch-up contribution (50 and older): $8,000
- 2026 total contribution limit (50 and older): $32,500
Super Catch-Up Contributions for Ages 60 to 63
If you're 60, 61, 62 or 63 in 2026, you can make a "super catch-up" contribution of up to $11,250 to an employer-based 401(k), 403(b), 457 or (most) governmental thrift programs for a total contribution of $35,750. The super catch-up contribution limit replaces the regular catch-up contribution of $8,000 for people in this age group.
- 2026 super catch-up contribution for ages 60 to 63: $11,250
- 2026 total contribution limit for ages 60 to 63: $35,750
401(k) Catch-Up Contribution Rules for High-Earners
Effective in 2026, if you earned $150,000 or more in 2025, your 2026 catch-up contribution must be designated a Roth contribution instead of a traditional 401(k) contribution.
401(k) Contribution Limits With Matching Funds
IRS contribution limits on 401(k) plans don't apply to matching funds from your employer. However, the IRS also limits the total amount you can contribute to all retirement plans with a single employer, including matching funds. For 401(k), 403(b), 457 and eligible governmental plans, total contributions including matching funds have the following limits:
- 2026 total contributions (49 and under): $72,000
- 2026 total contributions (50 and older): $80,000
- 2026 total contributions (60 to 63): $83,250
Your 401(k) contributions also can't total up to more than 100% of your compensation.
IRA Contribution Limits for 2026
Traditional and Roth IRA contributions are limited to $7,500 in 2026, with a $1,100 catch-up contribution for people ages 50 and older. If you're thinking about opening an IRA or making a contribution, remember that your contributions across all traditional and Roth IRA accounts can't exceed the contribution limit cumulatively, and your total contribution can't exceed your total taxable income for the year.
- 2026 IRA contribution limit (49 and under): $7,500
- 2026 catch-up contribution (50 and older): $1,100
- 2026 total contribution limit (50 and older): $8,600
Learn more: What Is an IRA?
SIMPLE IRA Contribution Limits for 2026
SIMPLE IRAs have a 2026 contribution limit of $17,000 with a $4,000 catch-up contribution for people ages 50 and older. If you're between ages 60 and 63, your catch-up contribution is $5,250 for a total SIMPLE IRA contribution of $22,250.
Tip: SIMPLE IRA plans are for small businesses and their employees. They typically have higher contribution limits than regular IRAs, and allow employers to contribute matching funds to their employees' accounts.
Roth IRA Income Limits for 2026
The IRS sets income requirements for Roth IRA contributions. To be eligible to make a full Roth IRA contribution, your adjusted gross income must fall below the limit shown in the "full contribution" column in the table below. After that threshold, your allowable contribution begins phasing out. When your income exceeds the IRS maximum, shown in the "no contribution" column, you're no longer eligible to make a Roth contribution.
| Full Contribution | Partial Contribution | No Contribution | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Married, filing jointly | Less than $242,000 | $242,000 to $251,999 | $252,000 and up |
| Married, filing separately and living with spouse | Not applicable | Less than $10,000 | $10,000 and up |
| Single, head of household or married filing separately and did not live with spouse during the year | Less than $153,000 | $153,000 to $167,999 | $168,000 and up |
Source: IRS
Traditional IRA Deduction Limits
You can deduct traditional IRA contributions from your income, but only if you meet IRS income requirements. The table below shows the income levels required to claim a full or partial IRA deduction. If your income belongs in the "no deduction" column, you aren't eligible to deduct your IRA contribution.
| Full Deduction | Partial Deduction | No Deduction | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single or head of household and covered by a workplace plan | Less than $81,000 | $81,000 to $90,999 | $91,000 and up |
| Married filing jointly and you are covered by a workplace plan | Less than$129,000 | $129,000 to $148,999 | $149,000 and up |
| Married filing jointly and your spouse is covered by a workplace plan | Less than $242,000 | $242,000 to $251,999 | $252,000 and up |
| Married filing separately and covered by a workplace plan | Not applicable | Less than $10,000 | $10,000 and up |
Source: IRS
Frequently Asked Questions
The Bottom Line
The IRS typically releases new contribution limits late in the year to allow savers to review their retirement plans and adjust contributions for the new year to come. Annual IRS adjustments help you keep pace with inflation by maximizing your retirement contributions and getting to your savings goals faster.
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About the author
Gayle Sato
Gayle Sato writes about financial services and personal financial wellness, with a special focus on how digital transformation is changing our relationship with money. As a business and health writer for more than two decades, she has covered the shift from traditional money management to a world of instant, invisible payments and on-the-fly mobile security apps.
Read more from Gayle