Planning for retirement is one of the most important financial decisions you can make—and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has just made it easier to save more. The 2026 contribution limits for retirement plans have increased, giving you greater opportunities to build your future.
Here's a quick breakdown of the updated contribution limits for 2026:
401(k) and 403(b) Plans
Employee 401(k) and 403(b) contributions:
- 2026: $24,500 ($1000 increase from 2025)
Employer plus employee contributions:
- 2026: $72,000 ($2,000 increase from 2025)
457(b) Plans
Employee and employer deferrals into 457(b) plans:
- 2025: $24,500 ($1000 increase from 2025)
Catch-Up Contributions for 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) Plans:
Age 50 or Older Catch-Up Contributions:
- 2026: $8,000 ($500 increase from 2025)
SECURE 2.0 added an additional catch-up contribution. For this higher contribution limit, participants ages 60 to 63 can contribute up to $11,250 instead of the $8,000 noted above.
Effective in 2026, high earners (HEs) who make over $150,000 in FICA wages (adjusted for inflation) for the previous year must make the above catch-contributions on a post-tax Roth basis in the current year.
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA)
Participant Contributions:
- 2026: $7,500 ($500 increase from 2025)
Age 50 or Older Catch-Up Contributions:
- 2026: $1,100 ($100 increase from 2025)
Traditional IRA Eligibility
Income ranges for determining eligibility to deduct contributions from a traditional IRA:
|
Phase-Out Range Description |
2026 |
Change |
|
Single taxpayers covered by a workplace retirement plan
|
Between $81,000 and $91,000 |
$2,000 increase |
|
Married couples filing jointly, if the spouse making the IRA contribution is covered by a workplace retirement plan
|
Between $129,000 and $149,000 |
$3,000 increase |
|
Married couples filing jointly if the IRA contributor is not covered by a workplace retirement plan and is married to someone who is covered
|
Between $242,000 and $252,000 |
$6,000 increase |
|
Married individual filing in a separate return who is covered by a workplace retirement plan
|
Between $0 and $10,000 |
No change |
Roth IRA Eligibility
Income ranges for determining eligibility to deduct contributions from a Roth IRA:
|
Phase-Out Range Description |
2026 |
Change |
|
Single or head of household taxpayers
|
Between $153,000 and $168,000 |
$3,000 increase |
|
Married couples filing jointly
|
Between $242,000 and $252,000
|
$6,000 increase |
|
Married individual filing in a separate return who makes contributions to a Roth IRA
|
Between $0 and $10,000 |
No change |
Whether you’re an employee looking to maximize your contributions or an employer aiming to help support your team’s financial future, now is the time to act. Review your strategy, make adjustments, and set yourself up for long-term success. Learn more about our retirement offerings ►
This blog is up to date as of December 2025 and has not been updated for changes in the law, administration or current events.
