2026 Retirement Contribution Limits: 401(k), IRA, HSA, and Catch-Up Rules
As we reach the last day of 2025, we can all start to look to next year, which brings new retirement contribution limits. I am sure that was the first thing on your New Year’s resolution list!
2026 Retirement Contribution Limits Overview
If you are someone who maxes out retirement plan contributions, you will want to check to be sure that you are reaching the new allowable limits. Note that if you are age 60-63 there are now Super catch-up amounts that can be taken advantage of.
Below are some of the updated numbers:
401(k), 403(b), and Most 457 Plan Contribution Limits for 2026
- Base limit: $24,500 in 2026 (up from $23,500 in 2025).
- Catch-up contributions (age 50+): $8,000 (up from $7,500). Total maximum for eligible savers: $32,500.
- Super catch-up (ages 60–63): $11,250 in addition to the base limit (unchanged).
These higher limits give workers more room to boost their retirement savings, especially helpful for those nearing retirement who want to accelerate contributions.
Additionally, under SECURE 2.0, high-income earners (with prior-year income over $150,000) must make catch-up contributions to Roth (after-tax) accounts starting in 2026.
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) Contribution Limits for 2026
Traditional and Roth IRAs also see higher thresholds in 2026:
- Base IRA contribution limit: $7,500 (up from $7,000).
- Catch-up contributions (age 50+): $1,100 (up from $1,000).
Note:
- The IRA limit applies collectively across all IRAs you own (you can’t contribute $7,500 to each).
- Roth IRA eligibility phases out at higher income ranges in 2026, meaning high earners may be limited or ineligible to contribute directly.
Health Savings Account (HSA) Contribution Limits for 2026
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) provide a powerful way to save for medical expenses with pre-tax dollars:
- Individual coverage: $4,400.
- Family coverage: $8,750.
- Catch-up contribution (55+): unchanged (varies by plan).
SIMPLE IRA and SEP Plan Contribution Limits
These employer-sponsored plans also receive modest bumps:
- SIMPLE IRA: $17,000 (standard).
- Higher employer-specific SIMPLE limits: $18,100.
- Catch-up (SIMPLE): $4,000 ($5,250 for ages 60–63).
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and wishing you all a Happy New Year! It is cliché to say, but it really is hard to believe that 2026 starts tomorrow! Our dog Phoebe is just as shocked!
