Every year, the Internal Revenue Service adjusts how much you can put into tax-advantaged retirement accounts like 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). Nearly every major limit increased in 2026, meaning you can contribute more money to these accounts.
This guide will break down every 2026 retirement contribution limit you need to know, compare them to 2025, and explain what the new Roth catch-up rule means for your savings strategy.
Looking for retirement planning or tax advice in Arizona? Schedule a free consultation with ARQ Wealth Advisors to learn how to make the most of these new limits. Or call us at (480) 214-9572.\
401(k) Contribution Limits for 2026
The 401(k) contribution limit for 2026 is $24,500, up from $23,500 in 2025. This limit applies to:
- 401(k) plans
- 403(b) plans
- Governmental 457 plans
- The federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
The catch-up contribution for employees aged 50 and over increases to $8,000 in 2026 (up from $7,500 in 2025). That means workers 50 and older can contribute a total of $32,500 ($24,500 + $8,000) to their 401(k) or similar plan in 2026.
Employees aged 60, 61, 62, and 63 qualify for an even higher “super catch-up” contribution under the SECURE 2.0 Act. This demographic can contribute an additional $11,250 instead of $8,000, bringing their total to $35,750 ($24,500 + $11,250). This amount remains unchanged from 2025.
Here’s how the 2026 401(k) limits compare to 2025:
| 2025 | 2026 | Change | |
| Employee Contribution Limit | $23,500 | $24,500 | +$1,000 |
| Catch-up (age 50+) | $7,500 | $8,000 | +$500 |
| Total with catch-up (age 50+) | $31,000 | $32,500 | +$1,500 |
| Super catch-up (age 60-63) | $11,250 | $11,250 | No Change |
| Total with super catch-up (age 60-63) | $34,750 | $35,750 | +$1,000 |
Have additional questions about how to make the most of these contribution limits? Be sure to contact an advisor on the ARQ Wealth Team for personalized advice tailored to your situation. A tax advisor can also help you understand more nuanced aspects of retirement planning, like what after-tax contributions are, who your plan sponsors are, and what your annual deferral limit is.
Keep in mind: for 2026, catch-up contributions may be required to go into the Roth side of the plan. This applies to both the regular age 50+ catch-up and the age 60-63 super catch-up when an employee’s prior-year FICA wages from that employer were more than $150,000. Otherwise, catch-up contributions can generally be made on a pre-tax or Roth basis if the plan permits.
Learn more: Roth Catch-Up Contributions for 2026: What You Need to Know as Tax Season Approaches
IRA Contribution Limits for 2026
The IRA contribution limit for 2026 is $7,500, up from $7,000 in 2025. This applies to:
- Traditional IRAs
- Roth IRAs
The IRA catch-up contribution for individuals aged 50 and over increases to $1,100 in 2026 (up from $1,000 in 2025). This is the first time the IRA catch-up amount has been adjusted for inflation, thanks again to the SECURE 2.0 Act. Workers 50 and older can now contribute a total of $8,600 ($7,500 + $1,100) to their IRA in 2026.
One important note: The $7,500 limit applies to all your IRAs combined. If you contribute $5,000 to a Traditional IRA, you can only put $2,500 into a Roth IRA for that year.
| 2025 | 2026 | Change | |
| IRA contribution limit | $7,000 | $7,500 | +$500 |
| Catch-up (age 50+) | $1,000 | $1,100 | +$100 |
| Total with catch-up (age 50+) | $8,000 | $8,600 | +$600 |
Tips to Maximize Your 2026 Retirement Contributions
Here are a few best practices to help you get the most out of these new limits across your retirement savings accounts:
- Contribute early and often: The sooner your money is invested, the more time it has to grow through compound returns. To max out the $24,500 401(k) limit across 26 biweekly paychecks, you’d need to set aside roughly $942 per paycheck.
- Take advantage of employer match programs: Many employers will match a percentage of your 401(k) contributions. If your employer offers a match, contribute at least enough to capture the full match amount.
- Use contributions to reduce your taxable income: Pre-tax contributions to a Traditional 401(k) lower your taxable income for the year (traditional IRA contributions may do the same, subject to deductibility rules). This can be especially valuable if you’re close to the edge of a tax bracket. Learn more about tax planning strategies that work alongside your retirement contributions.
- Don’t forget the Saver’s Credit: The Retirement Savings Contributions Credit (Saver’s Credit) provides a tax credit of up to $1,000 ($2,000 for married couples filing jointly) for low- and moderate-income workers who contribute to a retirement account.
- Know your retirement needs: Calculate how much you’ll need to retire comfortably and make sure your current savings rate puts you on track. If you need help with this step, speak with an experienced retirement planner who can help you figure out how much you’ll need and map a plan to get there.
Minimize Your Tax Burden With ARQ Wealth
The 2026 retirement plan contribution limits increased meaningfully across 401(k)s, IRAs, and most other retirement plans. For plan participants at every income level, these changes mean more room to save on a tax-advantaged basis. And for those aged 60-63, the SECURE 2.0 super catch-up contribution limit continues to offer an accelerated savings opportunity that didn’t exist a few years ago.
Getting the most out of these limits takes planning. Between employee contributions, employer contributions, catch-up strategies, and income phase-outs that vary by filing status, there are plenty of strategies to explore. A tax advisor can help you avoid excess contributions, identify whether you can deduct contributions to a Traditional IRA, and optimize your contributions across every account you hold.
Whether you need to update your payroll elections, evaluate whether the Roth catch-up rule works in your favor, or build a comprehensive retirement plan strategy, schedule a free consultation with ARQ Wealth or call us at (480) 214-9572.
FAQs
What are the 2026 retirement plan contribution limits?
The annual contribution limit for 401(k) plans is $24,500 for the 2026 tax year, and the IRA limit is $7,500. Including catch-up amounts, the total contribution limit for a 401(k) is $32,500 (age 50+) or $35,750 (age 60-63), and the IRA limit is $8,600 (age 50+). These limits apply to employee contributions only and do not include employer contributions, which are subject to separate caps.
What is the catch-up contribution limit for 401(k) plans in 2026?
The catch-up contribution limit for 2026 is $8,000, up from $7,500 in 2025. This applies to plan participants aged 50 and over in 401(k), 403(b), governmental plans (457), and the Thrift Savings Plan. Workers aged 60-63 can make catch-up contributions of $11,250 instead. Keep in mind that high earners whose prior-year FICA wages exceeded $150,000 must now make those catch-up contributions as Roth contributions under SECURE 2.0.
When can I contribute to my 2026 IRA?
You can start making contributions to your 2026 IRA as early as January 1, 2026, and can continue contributing through the tax filing deadline of April 15, 2027. If you’re covered by a workplace retirement plan, check the income phase-out ranges to determine whether you can deduct contributions to a Traditional IRA for the year.
Do I need a tax professional to manage my retirement contributions?
You’re not required to work with a tax professional, but it’s worth considering if your situation involves multiple retirement plan accounts, catch-up contributions subject to the new Roth rules, or questions about how your filing status affects IRA deductibility.
Can I contribute to both a 401(k) and an IRA in 2026?
Yes. The annual contribution limits for 401(k) plans and IRAs are separate. You can contribute up to $24,500 to your 401(k) and up to $7,500 to an IRA in the same tax year. However, your ability to deduct Traditional IRA contributions depends on your income, filing status, and whether you or your spouse is covered by a workplace retirement plan. Consult a tax advisor if you’re unsure which combination of accounts makes the most sense for your situation.