What are the 2026 contribution limits?
From the IRS:
| Account | Limit | Catch-up |
|---|---|---|
| 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans | $24,500 | +$8,000 at age 50 or older; +$11,250 at ages 60 to 63 |
| IRA (traditional or Roth) | $7,500 | +$1,100 at age 50 or older |
Why does December 31 matter?
401(k) deferrals come out of your paychecks, so they count for the year you are paid. Once your last 2026 paycheck is out, you can’t add more for 2026. If you are behind, ask HR now to raise your contribution rate for the paychecks left in November and December.
How much do I need per paycheck to max out?
Subtract what you’ve already put in from $24,500 and divide by the paychecks left. If you’ve contributed $18,000 and have four biweekly paychecks left in 2026, you need $1,625 per paycheck. Because traditional 401(k) contributions come out before income tax, your take-home pay drops by less than that: check it with the paycheck calculator.
How much will it be worth at retirement?
Use the 401(k) calculator to project your balance with your contribution, your employer match and your years to retirement. The limits for 2027 haven’t been announced yet; the IRS usually publishes them in the fall. We cover the 2026 figures in the guide to 401(k) and IRA limits.
Official sources
- IRS: 401(k) limit increases to $24,500 for 2026, IRA limit increases to $7,500 · 2026 limits: $24,500 401(k), $7,500 IRA
- IRS Notice 2025-67: 2026 limitations for retirement plans · catch-up contributions for 2026
- IRS: Retirement topics, 401(k) and profit-sharing plan contribution limits · elective deferral limits and catch-up rules