On Nov. 13, 2025, the IRS announced the 2026 cost-of-living adjustments for retirement plans (IRS news release IR-2025-111). The technical details are in Notice 2025-67. Here are the figures most savers need.
Workplace plans: 401(k), 403(b), 457 and TSP
| Limit | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Employee contribution (elective deferral) | $23,500 | $24,500 |
| Catch-up, age 50 and older | $7,500 | $8,000 |
| Higher catch-up, ages 60, 61, 62 and 63 | $11,250 | $11,250 |
That means most participants who are 50 or older can contribute up to $32,500 in 2026. The higher catch-up for ages 60 through 63 comes from the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 and stays at $11,250 for 2026.
IRAs
The annual IRA contribution limit rises to $7,500 from $7,000. The catch-up for people 50 and older, now adjusted for inflation under SECURE 2.0, rises to $1,100 from $1,000.
Deducting a traditional IRA contribution. If you or your spouse is covered by a retirement plan at work, your deduction may shrink or disappear at higher incomes. The 2026 phase-out ranges are:
- Single, covered by a workplace plan: $81,000 to $91,000.
- Married filing jointly, where the contributing spouse is covered: $129,000 to $149,000.
- Contributor not covered but married to someone who is: $242,000 to $252,000.
- Married filing separately and covered: $0 to $10,000 (not adjusted).
If neither spouse is covered by a workplace plan, these phase-outs don't apply.
Roth IRA income limits. For 2026, the ability to contribute to a Roth IRA phases out between $153,000 and $168,000 for singles and heads of household. For married couples filing jointly, the range is $242,000 to $252,000. For married filing separately, it stays at $0 to $10,000.
SIMPLE plans
The SIMPLE IRA contribution limit rises to $17,000 from $16,500. A higher $18,100 limit applies to certain plans. The general catch-up for ages 50 and older rises to $4,000. Different catch-up limits apply to certain plans and to workers aged 60 through 63; see Notice 2025-67.
Saver's Credit
The Saver's Credit, also called the Retirement Savings Contributions Credit, helps low- and moderate-income workers who contribute to retirement accounts. For 2026, the income limits are $80,500 for married couples filing jointly, $60,375 for heads of household, and $40,250 for singles and married people filing separately.
What to do now
If you get a raise or turn 50 (or 60) in 2026, check whether your payroll deferral is set to use the new limits. Contributions over the limit must be corrected, so watch totals if you changed jobs during the year and contributed to two plans. If you're self-employed with a solo 401(k), the same $24,500 employee limit applies; see our self-employed guide for related tax dates. Retirement contributions can also lower the income tax you owe, which matters if you're trying to reduce a balance due; see what to do if you can't pay.
Frequently asked questions
When is the deadline for 2026 IRA contributions?
You can generally make IRA contributions for 2026 up to the due date of your 2026 return, not counting extensions. That date is normally April 15, 2027. Workplace plan deferrals must come out of pay received during 2026.
Does the $24,500 limit include my employer's match?
No. The $24,500 figure is the employee elective deferral limit. Employer contributions count toward a separate, larger overall limit for defined contribution plans, which rises to $72,000 for 2026 from $70,000 (Notice 2025-67).
I'm 61. What is my total 401(k) limit for 2026?
In most 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457 plans and the TSP, you can defer $24,500 plus the higher catch-up of $11,250, for $35,750, if your plan allows catch-up contributions.
Sources
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS), IR-2025-111, "401(k) limit increases to $24,500 for 2026, IRA limit increases to $7,500", Nov. 13, 2025. irs.gov
- IRS, Notice 2025-67, 2026 cost-of-living adjustments for retirement plans. irs.gov
- IRS, Publication 590-A, "Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs)". irs.gov
IRSV.com is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the IRS. This page is general information, not tax or legal advice. Rules change; confirm details on IRS.gov or with a tax professional. Found an error? Tell us.