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What is the maximum I can contribute to my Retirement Plan?

Each year, the IRS announces cost-of-living adjustments that affect contribution limits for retirement plans. For 2026, several key limits have increased.

Employee contribution limits

  • The maximum amount participants may contribute to 401(k), 403(b), and most 457 plans increased from $23,500 to $24,500.
  • This limit applies to total employee contributions across all 401(k) and 403(b) plans in which a participant participates during the year.

Catch-up contributions (age 50 and over)

  • Participants who will be age 50 or older by the end of 2026 may make additional catch-up contributions.
  • The catch-up contribution limit increased from $7,500 to $8,000.
  • Catch-up contributions are in addition to the $24,500 employee contribution limit.

Important: Beginning in 2026, certain higher-paid participants may be required to make catch-up contributions on a Roth (after-tax) basis, as required under SECURE 2.0. For more information, visit High Earners Catch-up Contributions.

Employer contributions

  • Employer matching or profit-sharing contributions do not count toward the $24,500 employee contribution limit.
  • Separate IRS limits apply to the combined total of employee and employer contributions.

What participants may need to do

  • These limits apply to calendar year 2026 contributions.
  • Participants who want to maximize their contributions may need to update their payroll deferral elections.
  • Example: To reach the $24,500 limit over 26 pay periods, a participant would need to contribute approximately $942 per paycheck (before employer contributions).

For a complete list of 2026 retirement plan and IRA contribution limits, please visit 2026 IRS Retirement Contribution Limits