Last updated: 4/10/26· Reviewed by: David E.
Quick answer: For 2026, you can contribute up to $24,500 to your 401(k). If you’re 50 or older, you can add a $8,000 catch-up contribution. If you’re 60, 61, 62 or 63, the catch-up rises to $11,250 (often called the «super catch-up»).
Here’s everything you need to know about each limit, who qualifies, and how to avoid costly mistakes.
2026 401(k) limits at a glance
| Limit | 2026 amount |
|---|---|
| Employee contribution limit | $24,500 |
| Catch-up contribution (age 50+) | $8,000 |
| Super catch-up (ages 60 to 63) | $11,250 |
| Maximum employee total, age 50 to 59 or 64+ | $32,500 |
| Maximum employee total, ages 60 to 63 | $35,750 |
| Combined employee + employer limit (under 50) | $72,000 |
The same limits apply to 401(k), 403(b) and most 457(b) plans, and they cover both traditional and Roth contributions combined. You can’t contribute $24,500 to each.
Verify these figures on IRS.gov before relying on them. The IRS announces limits each fall for the following year.
The regular 401(k) contribution limit: $24,500
The standard limit is the maximum you can contribute from your own paycheck during the calendar year. It applies whether you contribute to a traditional 401(k), a Roth 401(k) or a mix of both.
Two details are often misunderstood:
- Your employer’s match doesn’t count toward this limit. If you contribute $24,500 and your employer adds a match, both go into your account.
- The limit is per person, not per plan. If you have two jobs with 401(k) plans, your total employee contributions across both can’t exceed $24,500 (plus catch-up if eligible).
What it means per paycheck
To reach the maximum without catch-up:
- Biweekly pay (26 paychecks): about $942 per paycheck
- Monthly pay (12 paychecks): about $2,042 per paycheck
For someone earning $100,000, that’s 24.5% of gross pay, which is why most people contribute less than the maximum.
The 50+ catch-up contribution: $8,000
If you turn 50 at any point during the calendar year, you can make an additional $8,000 in catch-up contributions for 2026. You don’t need to wait for your birthday: if you turn 50 on December 31, you’re eligible for the full year.
Maximum for ages 50 to 59 and 64 and older: $24,500 + $8,000 = $32,500.
On a biweekly schedule, that’s $1,250 per paycheck.
Catch-up contributions are optional, and your plan must offer them. Nearly all large plans do, but it’s worth checking your plan’s rules.
The super catch-up for ages 60 to 63: $11,250
The SECURE 2.0 Act created a higher catch-up amount for people who reach ages 60, 61, 62 or 63 during the calendar year. For 2026, it’s $11,250 instead of $8,000.
Maximum for ages 60 to 63: $24,500 + $11,250 = $35,750, or $1,375 per paycheck on a biweekly schedule.
Some important points:
- The super catch-up applies only for those four years. At age 64, you go back to the standard $8,000 catch-up.
- You qualify if you reach the age at any point during the calendar year.
- Your plan must adopt the super catch-up. Not every plan does, so confirm with your plan administrator.
Roth catch-up rule for higher earners
Starting in 2026, if you earned more than roughly $150,000 in Social Security (FICA) wages from your employer in the prior year, your catch-up contributions generally must be made as Roth (after-tax) contributions. The threshold is adjusted periodically, and plans must offer a Roth option for this to work.
This doesn’t change your regular $24,500 contributions, which can still be traditional or Roth. It only affects the catch-up portion for higher earners. If this applies to you, check how your plan handles it, since it affects your current-year tax bill.
The overall limit: employee plus employer
There’s a second, larger limit that includes everything going into your 401(k): your contributions, your employer’s match and profit sharing, and some after-tax contributions. For 2026, that combined limit is $72,000 for those under 50, not counting catch-up contributions.
Catch-up contributions sit on top of this limit. So someone age 52 could receive up to $80,000, and someone age 61 up to $83,250.
Most people never come close, but high earners and self-employed workers with Solo 401(k) plans may. If your plan allows after-tax contributions, a «mega backdoor Roth» strategy may be possible. Confirm with your plan and a tax professional first.
How 2026 compares with previous years
| Year | Employee limit | Catch-up (50+) | Super catch-up (60 to 63) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $23,000 | $7,500 | Not available |
| 2025 | $23,500 | $7,500 | $11,250 |
| 2026 | $24,500 | $8,000 | $11,250 |
What happens if you contribute too much?
This often happens to people who change jobs mid-year and contribute to two plans without noticing. If you exceed your limit, these are called excess deferrals.
- You need to withdraw the excess (plus any earnings on it) by April 15 of the following year.
- If you don’t, the excess is taxed in the year you contributed it and again when you eventually withdraw it.
If you suspect an over-contribution, contact both plan administrators quickly and ask about a corrective distribution.
Smart tips for using your 2026 limit
- Check your per-paycheck math. Divide your goal by the number of paychecks left in the year.
- Don’t front-load without checking your match. Some employers match per paycheck. If you hit the limit in September, you could miss matching dollars for the rest of the year. Ask whether your plan offers a «true-up.»
- Use the limit as a ceiling, not a target. Most people should start with the full employer match, then increase gradually. See our guide on how much to contribute to your 401(k).
- Pair it with an IRA if you can. The 2026 IRA limit is $7,500 ($8,600 if you’re 50 or older), and it’s separate from your 401(k).
Frequently asked questions
What is the 401(k) limit for 2026?
The employee contribution limit is $24,500. Catch-up contributions of $8,000 apply at age 50 and older, and $11,250 at ages 60 to 63.
Does the employer match count toward the 401(k) limit?
No. The employee limit applies only to your own contributions. Employer contributions count toward the larger combined limit.
Can I contribute to a 401(k) and an IRA in the same year?
Yes. The two limits are separate. Your ability to deduct a traditional IRA contribution or contribute to a Roth IRA may depend on your income and whether you’re covered by a workplace plan.
What happens if I turn 64 during the year?
The super catch-up applies only to people who turn 60, 61, 62 or 63 in the calendar year. At 64, you return to the regular catch-up amount of $8,000.
Do the limits apply to a Roth 401(k)?
Yes. The $24,500 limit applies to traditional and Roth contributions combined.
When will the 2027 limits be announced?
The IRS typically publishes next year’s limits in the fall, so check IRS.gov for updates.
The bottom line
- The standard 2026 limit is $24,500.
- Catch-up contributions add $8,000 at 50 and older.
- Ages 60 to 63 can add $11,250.
- Higher earners may need to make their catch-up contributions as Roth.
- Always stay within the limit across all your plans.
Not sure how much you should actually contribute? Try our 401(k) calculator to see how your contributions could grow over time.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not personalized financial, tax, or legal advice. Contribution limits and tax rules change, so verify current figures with the IRS and your plan administrator.
Sources to cite and link: IRS notice announcing 2026 retirement plan limits (IRS.gov) · IRS «401(k) Plan Overview» · SECURE 2.0 Act summary.