The IRS has raised several retirement savings limits for tax year 2026, giving workers more room to contribute to 401(k)s, 403(b)s, most governmental 457 plans, the federal Thrift Savings Plan, and IRAs. The headline number: employees can contribute up to $24,500 to a 401(k) in 2026, up from $23,500 in 2025, according to the IRS (Internal Revenue Service, 2026).

The 2026 retirement contribution limits

Account or limit2026 limit2025 limit
401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, TSP employee contribution$24,500$23,500
401(k) catch-up, age 50 and older$8,000$7,500
401(k) total for many workers age 50 and older$32,500$31,000
Higher catch-up for ages 60, 61, 62, and 63$11,250$11,250
IRA contribution limit$7,500$7,000
IRA catch-up, age 50 and older$1,100$1,000

The 401(k) limit applies to employee salary deferrals across traditional and Roth 401(k) contributions combined. If your employer plan offers both, you generally cannot put $24,500 into the traditional side and another $24,500 into the Roth side for 2026. The combined employee limit is $24,500, before any eligible catch-up contribution.

For IRAs, the $7,500 limit generally applies across traditional and Roth IRA contributions combined. The IRS explains that IRAs are tax-advantaged retirement arrangements with separate rules for traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, rollovers, distributions, deduction limits, and Saver’s Credit eligibility (Internal Revenue Service).

What changed for catch-up contributions

Workers age 50 and older can generally contribute an additional $8,000 to 401(k), 403(b), most governmental 457 plans, and the federal TSP in 2026. That brings the total employee contribution limit to $32,500 for many workers who are at least 50 by the end of the year.

There is also a higher catch-up limit for workers ages 60 through 63. For 2026, that higher catch-up amount remains $11,250, so an eligible worker in that age range could generally contribute up to $35,750 to a 401(k) style plan, assuming the employer plan allows it.

For IRAs, the catch-up contribution for people age 50 and older rises to $1,100 for 2026, bringing the total IRA limit to $8,600.

Read also: The Roth Conversion Strategy Affluent Investors Over 60 Are Using to Empty Their 401(k)s

Read also: The Roth Conversion Strategy Affluent Investors Over 60 Are Using to Empty Their 401(k)s

Roth IRA and Saver’s Credit thresholds also rose

The IRS also increased income phase-out ranges for Roth IRA contributions, deductible traditional IRA contributions, and the Saver’s Credit. For Roth IRA contributions in 2026, the phase-out range is $153,000 to $168,000 for single filers and heads of household, and $242,000 to $252,000 for married couples filing jointly, according to the IRS (Internal Revenue Service, 2026).

The Saver’s Credit income limit for 2026 rises to $80,500 for married couples filing jointly, $60,375 for heads of household, and $40,250 for single filers and married individuals filing separately.

What workers should do now

If you contribute to a workplace plan, check your payroll election before the first 2026 paycheck. A worker paid every two weeks would need to contribute about $942 per paycheck to hit the $24,500 employee limit over 26 pay periods, before any catch-up contribution. Someone age 50 or older aiming for $32,500 would need about $1,250 per paycheck over 26 pay periods.

Also check whether your employer match formula changes the best contribution pace. The Department of Labor explains that 401(k) plans can include employer contributions, but plan features vary by employer (U.S. Department of Labor). Some plans require contributions throughout the year to receive the full match, while others offer a true-up contribution.

As of June 2026, these are the published IRS limits for the 2026 tax year. Verify current IRS guidance and your employer’s plan terms before deciding, because eligibility, income phase-outs, payroll timing, and plan rules can change how the limits apply to your situation.

This information is educational and is not personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Retirement account rules depend on income, filing status, employer plan terms, and tax circumstances. Consider asking a CPA, tax professional, or fiduciary financial advisor before changing a contribution strategy for 2026.