401(k) Contribution Limit 2026
Updated for the 2026 tax year · Last updated June 13, 2026
Employee deferral limit (under 50)
$24,500
2026 · up from $23,500 in 2025
| Limit | 2026 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Employee deferral (under 50) | $24,500 | $23,500 |
| Catch-up (age 50+) | $8,000 | $7,500 |
| Catch-up (age 60–63) | $11,250 | $11,250 |
| Total additions — 415(c) | $72,000 | $70,000 |
What changed for 2026
For 2026 the elective deferral limit rose $1,000 to $24,500. A worker 50 or older can add the $8,000 catch-up for $32,500, and workers aged 60–63 can use the higher SECURE 2.0 catch-up of $11,250 for a $35,750 personal total.
How it works
- •The $24,500 limit is your own salary deferral across all 401(k) and 403(b) plans combined — it does not include employer matching.
- •The $72,000 total-additions limit (IRC 415(c)) caps your deferrals + employer match + after-tax contributions for one employer.
- •The age 60–63 'super catch-up' of $11,250 is a SECURE 2.0 provision and replaces the regular $8,000 catch-up in those four years only.
- •Roth and pre-tax 401(k) contributions share the same $24,500 limit — splitting between them does not raise it.
401(k) Contribution Limit 2026 FAQ
What is the 401(k) contribution limit for 2026?
The 2026 employee deferral limit is $24,500, up from $23,500 in 2025. With the age-50 catch-up of $8,000 the total is $32,500, and workers aged 60–63 can contribute up to $35,750 using the $11,250 super catch-up.
Does the $24,500 limit include my employer match?
No. The $24,500 is only your own salary deferral. Employer matching counts toward the separate $72,000 total-additions (415(c)) limit, not the $24,500 cap.
How much can someone over 60 contribute to a 401(k) in 2026?
Workers aged 60–63 can defer $24,500 plus the $11,250 super catch-up = $35,750 in 2026. At 50–59 or 64+, the catch-up is $8,000 for a $32,500 total.
Related 2026 limits
See all calculators and limits on the retirement & tax hub.
Source: IRS Notice 2025-67 (2026 retirement plan limits). For informational purposes only, not tax advice.