Guide
2026 Contribution Limits, Explained
Deferral, catch-up, super catch-up and the 415(c) total - what each limit means and who it applies to.
Several different limits apply to retirement accounts. Here's what each one means for 2026:
Employee deferral - $24,500
The most you can contribute from your paycheck to a 401(k), 403(b) or most 457 plans.
Catch-up - $8,000 (50+) / $11,250 (60-63)
Extra contributions allowed once you turn 50, with a larger SECURE 2.0 "super catch-up" at ages 60-63.
IRA - $7,500
A separate limit for Traditional and Roth IRAs combined.
415(c) total - $72,000
The overall cap on all contributions to your 401(k) - yours plus your employer's match and any after-tax contributions.
New for 2026: high earners must make catch-up contributions on a Roth basis. See the limits page for details.
Put it into numbers: see the full 2026 limits and check your own.