IRS 401(k) and IRA contribution limits, with catch-up amounts, year by year through 2026. ✓ IRS
Employee elective deferral (401k/403b/457) and IRA limits, with age-50+ catch-up.
| Year | 401(k) limit | 401(k) catch-up | IRA limit | IRA catch-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $24,500 | +$8,000 | $7,000 | +$1,000 |
| 2025 | $23,500 | +$7,500 | $7,000 | +$1,000 |
| 2024 | $23,000 | +$7,500 | $7,000 | +$1,000 |
| 2023 | $22,500 | +$7,500 | $6,500 | +$1,000 |
| 2022 | $20,500 | +$6,500 | $6,000 | +$1,000 |
| 2021 | $19,500 | +$6,500 | $6,000 | +$1,000 |
| 2020 | $19,500 | +$6,500 | $6,000 | +$1,000 |
For 2026, the employee contribution limit for 401(k), 403(b) and most 457 plans is $24,500, up from $23,500 in 2025. Savers aged 50 and older can add a catch-up contribution of $8,000. The IRA limit (traditional and Roth combined) is $7,000, plus a $1,000 catch-up. The IRS reviews these limits annually and raises them with inflation, which is why they step up most years.
Employer matching and profit-sharing do not count toward your employee limit — they fall under a separate, much higher overall plan cap, so a generous match never reduces how much you can contribute yourself. See how maxing out compounds over time with our 401(k) calculator, Roth IRA calculator and retirement calculator.
The same dollar limit covers both traditional and Roth versions combined. Roth IRA eligibility phases out at higher incomes, while high earners often use a 401(k) or a backdoor Roth. These are US limits; the UK (ISAs/pensions), Canada (RRSP/TFSA) and Australia (superannuation) use their own separate systems and caps.