IRS Increases 2026 Retirement Contribution Limits

The IRS announced cost-of-living adjustments to annual contribution limits for a number of retirement savings accounts, including 401k and IRA plans.

In 2026, individuals can contribute up to $24,500 to 401ks, an increase of $1,000 over last year’s limit. The same limit now applies to 403(b), governmental 437 and federal thrift savings plans.

There are additional savings for people 50 and older in those plans.

Next year, the catch-up contribution rate increases by $500, to $8,000. Combined with a person’s individual contribution, the total savings limit in 2026 is $32,500.  

For people 60 to 63 years old, the catch-up contribution limit remains the same at $11,250, for a total savings limit of $35,750.

However, catch-up contributions will automatically be subject to income tax for those who made more than $145,000 in FICA wages in 2025.

Roth & IRA Highlights

For IRA’s and after-tax Roth plans, the new 2026 contribution limit is $7,500—up from $7,000.

And for those 50 and older, the catch-up contribution will be $100 more than last year at $1,100.

Income levels that determine if a person is eligible to make deductible contributions to an IRA or Roth are also being increased in 2026:

• Single taxpayers covered by a workplace retirement plan can now earn between $81,000 and $91,000.
• Married couples filing jointly—where the spouse making the contribution is covered by a workplace retirement plan—can earn $129,000 to $149,000.
• IRA contributors not covered by a workplace retirement plan but who are married to someone covered, can now earn $242,000 to $252,000.

There is no change for married individuals filing separate returns who are covered by a workplace retirement plan. The income range remains between zero and $10,000.