401(k) Employer Match Limit 2026
Updated for the 2026 tax year · Last updated June 13, 2026
Total additions limit (employee + employer)
$72,000
2026 · up from $70,000 in 2025
| Limit | 2026 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Total additions — 415(c) | $72,000 | $70,000 |
| Compensation cap — 401(a)(17) | $360,000 | $350,000 |
| Employee deferral limit | $24,500 | $23,500 |
What changed for 2026
There is no standalone 'employer match limit' — instead, your deferrals plus the employer match plus any after-tax contributions cannot exceed $72,000 in 2026, and the match can only be calculated on up to $360,000 of your compensation.
How it works
- •Total additions to your account (your deferral + employer match + after-tax) are capped at $72,000 for one employer in 2026.
- •Employer matching formulas can only count compensation up to the $360,000 (401(a)(17)) limit.
- •Because your own deferral maxes at $24,500, the employer match can fill the rest of the $72,000 (up to $47,500 from the employer, if their formula allows).
- •The age 50+ catch-up is on top of the $72,000 limit, not inside it.
401(k) Employer Match Limit 2026 FAQ
Is there a limit on 401(k) employer match in 2026?
Not directly. The match is bounded by the $72,000 total-additions limit (your deferral + match + after-tax) and the $360,000 compensation cap used to compute the match.
How much can my employer contribute to my 401(k)?
Up to the difference between $72,000 and your own contributions. If you defer the full $24,500, the employer (and after-tax) can add up to $47,500 in 2026.
What is the 401(a)(17) compensation limit for 2026?
$360,000. Employer matching and contribution formulas can only consider compensation up to this amount.
Related 2026 limits
See all calculators and limits on the retirement & tax hub.
Source: IRS Notice 2025-67 (415(c) and 401(a)(17) limits). For informational purposes only, not tax advice.