For 2026, you can contribute up to $24,500 to a 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457 plan or the Thrift Savings Plan, plus a $8,000 catch-up if you are 50 or older ($11,250 instead if you are 60 to 63). The IRA limit is $7,500, or $8,600 if you are 50 or older.
Key facts
- The $24,500 401(k) limit covers your traditional and Roth contributions combined. Employer contributions don’t count toward it.
- Your contributions plus your employer’s cannot exceed $72,000 (or 100% of your pay, if less), not counting catch-ups.
- New in 2026: if you earned more than $150,000 in FICA wages from your employer last year, your catch-up contributions must be Roth.
- IRA limits are separate from 401(k) limits, so you can contribute to both.
2026 401(k), 403(b) and 457 limits
| Age at the end of 2026 | Your maximum contribution | Maximum incl. employer money |
|---|---|---|
| Under 50 | $24,500 | $72,000 |
| 50 to 59, or 64 and older | $32,500 | $80,000 |
| 60 to 63 | $35,750 | $83,250 |
The plan can only count the first $360,000 of your salary when figuring contributions and the employer match. See how the limit affects your savings with the 401(k) calculator.
2026 IRA contribution limits
| Age at the end of 2026 | Traditional + Roth IRA limit |
|---|---|
| Under 50 | $7,500 |
| 50 and older | $8,600 |
2026 Roth IRA income limits
| Filing status | Full contribution | Partial contribution | No contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single or head of household | Under $153,000 | $153,000 to $168,000 | $168,000 or more |
| Married filing jointly | Under $242,000 | $242,000 to $252,000 | $252,000 or more |
| Married filing separately* | — | Under $10,000 | $10,000 or more |
* If you lived with your spouse at any time during the year. If you didn’t, use the single limits.
SIMPLE IRA limits
Employees in a SIMPLE IRA plan can defer up to $17,000 in 2026, plus $4,000 if they are 50 or older. Some smaller employers’ plans allow slightly higher amounts; check your plan documents.
What maxing out looks like
Someone under 50 who contributes the full $24,500 to a 401(k) and $7,500 to an IRA saves $32,000 a year. At age 60 to 63 the combined maximum is $44,350. For an HSA, which can also be used for retirement, see the 2026 HSA limits.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 401(k) limit for 2026?
$24,500 of employee contributions. Workers 50 and older can add $8,000 ($32,500 total), and workers who are 60, 61, 62 or 63 at the end of 2026 can add $11,250 instead ($35,750 total).
What is the IRA contribution limit for 2026?
$7,500 across all of your traditional and Roth IRAs combined, plus a $1,100 catch-up if you are 50 or older ($8,600 total). You can’t contribute more than your taxable compensation for the year.
What are the Roth IRA income limits for 2026?
Single filers and heads of household can make a full Roth IRA contribution with modified AGI under $153,000; the amount phases out up to $168,000. Married couples filing jointly phase out between $242,000 and $252,000.
Does the employer match count toward the 401(k) limit?
No. The match counts only toward the overall $72,000 limit on annual additions. You can contribute the full $24,500 and still receive your whole match.
How much do I need to contribute per paycheck to max out my 401(k)?
To reach $24,500 in 2026, contribute about $943 per biweekly paycheck (26 per year), $1,021 per semimonthly paycheck or $2,042 per month.
Calculators that use these figures
- 401(k) Calculator: 401(k) balance at retirement with employer match and 2026 limits.
- Retirement Calculator: Retirement savings target, on-track check and sustainable withdrawals.
- Paycheck Calculator: Take-home pay per paycheck after 2026 federal, state and FICA taxes.