The IRS released its 2026 cost-of-living adjustments, and retirement savers get a meaningful bump across the board. The standard 401(k) limit climbs to $24,500, the catch-up contribution rises to $8,000, and a new rule kicks in this year that changes how high earners must structure their catch-up savings.
2026 contribution limits
| Account type | 2025 limit | 2026 limit |
|---|---|---|
| 401(k) / 403(b) / 457 employee deferral | $23,500 | $24,500 |
| Catch-up (age 50-59) | $7,500 | $8,000 |
| Super catch-up (age 60-63) | $11,250 | $11,250 |
| IRA (traditional/Roth) | $7,000 | $7,500 |
| Total 401(k) incl. employer (under 50) | $70,000 | $72,000 |
| HSA (self-only / family) | $4,300 / $8,550 | $4,400 / $8,750 |
The big change for 2026: if you earned more than $150,000 in FICA wages last year, any catch-up contribution you make this year must go into the Roth side of your 401(k) — pre-tax catch-up contributions are no longer allowed for high earners. This is a new SECURE 2.0 requirement, not optional, so check with your plan administrator if your provider has not yet added a Roth option.
How much can each age group save in 2026
Under 50: $24,500 employee deferral. Age 50–59: $24,500 + $8,000 catch-up = $32,500. Age 60–63: $24,500 + $11,250 super catch-up = $35,750 — and for anyone in this bracket earning over $150,000, that $11,250 must now be contributed as Roth.
Actionable steps
Log into your 401(k) portal and update your contribution percentage to reflect the new dollar limits — most plans default to the prior year's percentage, which under-uses the increase. At minimum, contribute enough to capture your full employer match.
If you are 50 or older and earned above $150,000 in FICA wages last year, confirm your plan offers a Roth catch-up option before the rule forces a correction later in the year. Not every payroll system has this built yet.
Use our Retirement Planner to model how the new 2026 limits change your projected nest egg at retirement, factoring in the higher catch-up if you are 50+.