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How much can employees contribute to their retirement plans? Whether investing in a 401(k), IRA, or another retirement plan, you and your team should understand the rules and limits for 2026. Use our quick-reference chart to learn 401(k) contribution limits 2026, IRA contribution limits, and more.
401(k) contribution limits 2026
Retirement savings are a smart move—especially when you know how much you’re allowed to contribute. Below are the key limits for standard employer-sponsored 401(k), 403(b), 457(b) plans, the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan, or similar defined-contribution plans These apply whether you are contributing pre-tax or to a Roth version of the plan (they share the same caps), but exclude the Starter 401(k) Plans. Contribution limits are adjusted annually under cost-of-living rules.
Catch-Up Contributions age 50+ and age 60–63 Super Catch-up
- 2026 age 50+ Catch-up limit: $8,000 for a total of $32,500 ($24,500 + $8,000).
- 2026 age 60–63 Super Catch-up limit: $11,250 for a total of $35,750 ($24,500 + $11,250).
The combined total for employee and employer contributions for defined contribution plans, which include 401(k), 403(b), employee stock ownership, and profit-sharing plans:
- 2026 limit: $ 72,000.
This means the total of your salary‐deferral plus any employer match, profit-sharing, etc., cannot generally exceed this amount (subject to plan terms and compensation limits).
Starter 401(k) contribution limits 2026
A Starter 401(k) plan, (formally referred to as a “deferral-only” plan), is a simpler plan structure designed for smaller employers or start-ups. The limits are lower and the features fewer than a full 401(k) plan and does not allow for employer contributions.
The maximum standard deferral limit is set at $6,000, and is not indexed for inflation. However, the catch-up contribution limit will follow the IRA catch-up contribution dollar amount each year.
- 2026 Starter 401(k) limit: $6000.
- 2026 Starter 401(k) age 50+ Catch-up limit: $1,100 for a total of $7,100.
(Note: Plan terms may differ—verify with your provider.)
IRA contribution limits 2026
An individual retirement arrangement (IRA) allows you to set aside money for retirement. There are several different types of IRAs, including traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs. The caps and catch-up amounts are the same.
- 2026 limit: $7,000.
- 2026 age 50+ limit: $1,000 for a total of $8000.
SIMPLE IRA contribution limits 2026
- 2026 limit: $17,000.
- 2026 age 50+ Catch-up limit: $4,000 for a total of $21,000.
- 2026 age 60–63 Super Catch-up limit: $5,250 for a total of $22,250.
The annual compensation limit for 2026 for Simple IRAs is $360,000 vs $350,000 in 2025.
Retirement plan contribution limits 2026 vs 2025 [Chart]
Retirement plan contribution limits are subject to change annually. Use the chart to compare 2026 limits with 2025 limits.
| Retirement Plan | 2026 Limit | 2025 Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 401(k), 403(b), 457, and Thrift Savings Plans | $24,500 | $23,500 |
| -Catch-up contribution (ages 50 and up) | $8,000 | $7,500 |
| -Super Catch-up contribution (ages 60, 61, 62, and 63) | $11,250 | $11,250 |
| Defined Contribution Plans (Employee + Employer) | $72,000 | $70,000 |
| IRA Plans | $7,500 | $7,000 |
| -Catch-up contribution (ages 50 and up) | $1,100 | $1,000 |
| SIMPLE IRA Plans | $17,000 | $16,500 |
| -Catch-up contribution (ages 50 and up) | $4,000 | $3,500 |
| -Super Catch-up contribution (ages 60, 61, 62, and 63) | $5,250 | $5,250 |
| Starter 401(k) | $6,000 | $6000 |
| -Catch-up contribution (ages 50 and up) | $1,100 | $1000 |
Want to offer your employees 401(k) plans with ease? Patriot’s payroll software offers free 401(k) integration with our partner, Vestwell.
This is not intended as legal advice; for more information, please click here.
