By 
For 2026, you can contribute up to $24,500 to a 401(k) and $7,500 to an IRA. Workers 50 and older can add catch-up contributions (bringing the 401(k) total to $32,500 and the IRA total to $8,600), and ages 60 to 63 get a larger 401(k) total of $35,750. All figures are from the IRS.
Retirement contribution limits rise most years with inflation, and 2026 is no exception. Here are the official 2026 numbers for every major account, who the catch-up rules apply to, and the income limits that decide how much you can put in. All figures come from the IRS (IR-2025-111 and Notice 2025-67). For how these accounts fit together, see our retirement accounts hub.
- 401(k), 403(b), 457, TSP: $24,500 base; $32,500 at 50+; $35,750 at ages 60 to 63.
- IRA (Roth or Traditional): $7,500, or $8,600 if you are 50+.
- HSA: $4,400 individual / $8,750 family, plus $1,000 catch-up at 55+.
- Combined 401(k) cap (your contributions + employer match + after-tax): $72,000, or $80,000 at 50+.
- New for 2026: if you are 50+ and earned more than $150,000 in FICA wages from your employer last year, your workplace-plan catch-up must be made as Roth.
What are the 2026 401(k) contribution limits?
The 2026 employee contribution limit for 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457, and the federal Thrift Savings Plan is $24,500. Catch-up contributions raise that for older workers, and a combined cap covers your contributions plus the employer match.
| 401(k) / 403(b) / 457 / TSP (2026) | Limit |
|---|---|
| Employee contribution (under 50) | $24,500 |
| Age 50+ catch-up | +$8,000 ($32,500 total) |
| Ages 60 to 63 super catch-up | +$11,250 ($35,750 total) |
| Combined employee + employer (under 50) | $72,000 |
| Combined employee + employer (50+) | $80,000 |
The employer match does not count toward your $24,500 employee limit; it falls under the higher combined cap. Two catch-up details have their own guides: the ages 60 to 63 super catch-up and the new Roth catch-up rule for high earners. To put these limits to work, see how to maximize your 401(k).
401(k) Retirement Calculator
What are the 2026 IRA contribution limits?
The 2026 IRA limit is $7,500, or $8,600 if you are 50 or older (a $1,100 catch-up). This single limit is shared across all your Traditional and Roth IRAs combined, so you cannot contribute $7,500 to each.
| IRA (Traditional or Roth), 2026 | Limit |
|---|---|
| Under age 50 | $7,500 |
| Age 50+ (with $1,100 catch-up) | $8,600 |
What are the 2026 Roth IRA income limits?
You can contribute to a Roth IRA only if your income is below an annual phase-out. Inside the range, your allowed contribution shrinks; above it, you cannot contribute directly (and would use a backdoor Roth).
| Filing status (2026) | Full contribution under | No direct contribution above |
|---|---|---|
| Single / head of household | $153,000 | $168,000 |
| Married filing jointly | $242,000 | $252,000 |
| Married filing separately | $0 | $10,000 |
When is a Traditional IRA contribution deductible in 2026?
Anyone with earned income can contribute to a Traditional IRA, but the deduction phases out if you (or your spouse) are covered by a workplace retirement plan and your income is above these ranges. With no workplace plan, your contribution is fully deductible at any income.
| Situation (2026) | Deduction phase-out range |
|---|---|
| Single, covered by a workplace plan | $81,000 to $91,000 |
| Married filing jointly, you are covered | $129,000 to $149,000 |
| Married filing jointly, only your spouse is covered | $242,000 to $252,000 |
Not sure which account to fund? See our Traditional vs Roth IRA guide.
What about HSA, SEP IRA, and SIMPLE IRA limits?
| Account (2026) | Limit |
|---|---|
| HSA, self-only coverage | $4,400 |
| HSA, family coverage | $8,750 |
| HSA catch-up (age 55+) | +$1,000 |
| SEP IRA | Up to 25% of compensation, max $72,000 |
| SIMPLE IRA (under 50) | $17,000 |
| SIMPLE IRA (50+ catch-up) | +$4,000 ($21,000 total) |
HSA figures come from IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-19. The SEP IRA limit for the self-employed is effectively about 20% of net profit after the self-employment-tax deduction; our SEP IRA guide shows the calculation.
What is the smartest order to use these limits?
Having the limits is one thing; filling them in the right order is another. A widely used priority for most people:
- Contribute to your 401(k) up to the full employer match (free money).
- Pay down high-interest debt.
- Fund an HSA to the max if you have a high-deductible health plan.
- Max your Roth IRA at $7,500.
- Go back and max the 401(k) toward $24,500.
Frequently Asked Questions
For 2026, you can contribute up to $24,500 to a 401(k), 403(b), 457, or TSP. With the age 50+ catch-up the total is $32,500, and workers ages 60 to 63 can contribute up to $35,750 thanks to the SECURE 2.0 super catch-up. The employer match is separate and falls under a combined cap of $72,000.
The 2026 IRA limit is $7,500, or $8,600 if you are 50 or older. This limit is shared across all your Traditional and Roth IRAs combined, so the total you contribute to both cannot exceed it.
Yes. The limits are separate: $24,500 for the 401(k) and $7,500 for an IRA in 2026. If you have a workplace plan and higher income, your Traditional IRA deduction may be limited, but you can still contribute, and a Roth IRA may be available depending on your income.
No. The $24,500 employee limit applies only to your own contributions. The employer match is separate and falls under the higher combined cap of $72,000 (or $80,000 at 50+), which includes your contributions, the match, and any after-tax contributions.
Starting January 1, 2026, workers age 50+ who earned more than $150,000 in FICA wages from their employer the prior year must make their workplace-plan catch-up contributions as Roth (after-tax). It applies to employer plans only, not IRAs, and is based on prior-year wages from that employer.
The bottom line
For 2026, the headline numbers are $24,500 for a 401(k) and $7,500 for an IRA, with larger totals for those 50 and older. You do not need to hit the max, but knowing the limits lets you plan how much to automate each month.
- New to retirement accounts? Start with our hub, Retirement Accounts Explained.
- Want to capture the full match? Read 401(k) Explained and How to Maximize Your 401(k).
- Affected by the catch-up changes? See the super catch-up and the Roth catch-up rule.
A quick note: this article is for educational purposes only and is not financial or tax advice. All limits come from the IRS and apply to tax year 2026; verify current figures at IRS.gov before you act, and consult a qualified tax professional about your situation.
