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2026 401(k) and IRA Contribution Limits: What You Need to Know

By Peter Reagan Last updated on 8/26/26 Share

Every year, the IRS adjusts retirement contribution limits to account for inflation and changes in the economic landscape. In 2026, contribution limits for 401(k)s, IRAs, and other tax-advantaged retirement accounts increased across the board. Making the most of your retirement accounts means contributing right up to the limits and maximizing the tax advantages these accounts offer.

Last year, the SECURE 2.0 created a higher catch-up contribution limit for employees aged 60-63 who participate in most 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457 plans, as well as the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). For 2026, savers aged 60-63 can contribute an additional $11,250 (above and beyond the limits outlined below).

Note that the figures below include not only the 2026 retirement plan contribution limits, but also the 2025 limits as well. Here's why:

• You can begin your 2026 IRA contributions on January 1, 2026
• You can still make 2025 IRA contributions until Tax Day, April 15, 2026
• Contributions made between January 1 and April 15 2026 can be classified as either 2025 or 2026 contributions

Now let's talk about the new 2026 contribution limits.

2026 contribution limits for 401(k), 403(b), 457 and TSP plans

For those with employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as 401(k)s, 403(b) retirement plans, and most 457 plans, the new contribution limit for 2025 is $24,500, up from $23,500 in 2025. Now you can add an additional $500 of gold investments in your 401(k).

If you’re age 50 or older, you can take advantage of catch-up contributions, which allow you to contribute an additional $7,500, bringing the total limit to $31,000 for the year.

Note that employer contributions are also limited (for those workers fortunate enough to have an employer matching or otherwise contributing their 401(k), 403(b) or 457 retirement plans). See the IRS website for details.

Key takeaways for 2026 401(k) and 403(b) contribution limits:

• Employee contribution limit: $24,500
  • Catch-up contribution (50+): +$8,000
    • Total employee contribution limit (50+): $32,500
  • Super catch-up contribution (ages 60-63): +$11,250
    • Total employee contribution with super catch-up: $35,750
• Employer + employee combined contribution limit: $72,000
  • With catch-up (50+): $80,000
  • With super catch-up (workers aged 60-63): $83,250

2026 Individual Retirement Account (IRA) contribution limits

For those saving in an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), the contribution limit for 2025 is $7,000.

If you are 50 or older, you can make a catch-up contribution of an additional $1,000, bringing your total to $8,000.

Key takeaways:

• Traditional & Roth IRA contribution Limit: $7,500
• Catch-up contribution (50+): $1,100
• Total contribution limit (50+): $8,600
• Note: The IRS does not consider Traditional and Roth IRA contributions separately. In other words, you can contribute a total of $7,500 ($8,600 if aged 50+) to any number of Traditional and Roth IRA accounts.

Income limits for Roth IRA contributions in 2026

Roth IRAs come with income restrictions that determine eligibility to contribute the full amount. The income phase-out ranges for 2026 are:

• Single Filers: $153,000 - $168,000
• Married Filing Jointly: $242,000 - $252,000

If your income exceeds these limits, you may be restricted from directly contributing to a Roth IRA but may still explore the Backdoor Roth IRA strategy.

SEP & SIMPLE IRA contribution limits for 2026

For self-employed individuals and small business owners, SEP IRAs and SIMPLE IRAs offer a way to save for retirement while benefiting from tax advantages.

A Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) IRA is another employer-sponsored retirement account. A SIMPLE IRA is often used by smaller employers as an alternative to a 401(k) plan offered by most larger corporate employers. Contribution limits for a SIMPLE IRA tend to be lower than a 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored plan. Learn more about how to buy gold with a SIMPLE IRA with our guide.

SIMPLE IRA 2025 contribution limits:

• Employee contribution limit: $17,000 (up from $16,500 in 2025)
• Catch-up contribution (50+): $4,000
• Enhanced SIMPLE plans (check with your provider) have slightly different contribution limits; discussed in detail on the IRS website

A Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRA lets an employer, not the employee, contribute funds to a traditional IRA on behalf of their employees. (This is also used as a retirement savings plan for self-employed individuals.) In a SEP, the employee doesn’t make contributions.

SEP IRA 2026 contribution limits:

• The smaller of:
  • 25% of eligible employee's compensation
  • $72,000 (up from $70,000 in 2025)

Maximizing your retirement savings in 2026

With these new contribution limits, 2026 is a great year to increase your retirement savings. Whether you contribute to a 401(k), IRA, SEP IRA, or SIMPLE IRA, taking full advantage of these tax-advantaged accounts can significantly enhance your long-term financial security.

Key strategies to consider:

• Max out contributions if possible to leverage tax-deferred or tax-free growth
  • Didn't max out your IRA in 2025? You can still contribute to your Roth or Traditional IRA for the 2025 year if you make your contribution before April 15, 2026
• Take advantage of any employer matching contributions in your 401(k). Don't leave free money on the table!
• Consider a Roth conversion if your income allows for it, especially if you anticipate higher tax rates in the future
• Make sure you don't over-contribute to your retirement savings
• Diversify your retirement savings across different asset classes as well as across different types of accounts (to hedge against future tax changes)
• And, if you're fortunate enough to have ample funds left over, you can consider opening a Roth IRA for your dependents or loved ones to give them a tax-free nest egg for their futures

It's never too early to maximize your retirement contributions

Most financial planners recommend two simple and aggressive strategies for ensuring a successful retirement.

1. Start saving as early as you possibly can
2. Save more than you'll think you need

The more you set aside, the better your financial future will look. Is it possible to save too much? Investing guru Dr. William Bernstein answers this question in his book Skating Where the Puck Was:

“Saving too much money leads to a sense of nostalgic regret from a rocking chair in front of a crackling fire with a dog at your feet and a snifter of brandy at your side. Not saving enough money leads to pushing a shopping cart holding all your possessions down a wintry street and sleeping in doorways.”

With increased contribution limits in 2026, now is a great time to review your retirement plan make the most of all tax-advantaged retirement savings opportunities the IRS allows.

For more insights on diversifying your retirement savings, including so-called "alternative assets" like a Gold IRA, explore how physical precious metals can help insulate your savings from inflation and economic uncertainty.

Finally, I have to remind you that IRS guidelines regarding retirement accounts and contribution limits change from time to time. You never know when Congress might pass legislation nudging some contribution limits higher. Be sure to check the current IRS guidelines regarding updates to retirement savings, or work with an accountant or tax planner to help you make the best decisions for yourself and your family.

BGG - About the Author

About Peter Reagan

Peter Reagan has covered precious metals and the economy for Birch Gold Group for over 15 years. His articles have been featured in several leading publications, including Newsmax and Zerohedge. At Birch Gold Group, Peter leverages his deep market insights to help educate website visitors and customers on why they should consider diversifying their savings into gold and other precious metals, and how that process works. Due to this commitment to education, his content has become a trusted source of information throughout the industry.