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Annual Contribution Limits

Each year the IRS updates the amount of money individuals may save for retirement into 401(k) and IRA plans.

In this article
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Key Takeaways
  • For 2026, the IRS sets the maximum 401(k) employee contribution at $24,500 for those under 50, with an additional $8,000 catch-up contribution available for employees age 50 and older.
  • The combined employee and employer contribution limit is $72,000 for participants under 50 and $80,000 for those 50 and older, including catch-up amounts.
  • The 2026 highly compensated employee threshold remains at $160,000, while the annual compensation limit used for plan calculations rises to $360,000.

Each year the IRS updates the amount of money individuals may save for retirement into 401(k) and IRA plans.

  • Learn how much you can save this year
  • Maximize your retirement plan contributions
  • Incentivize your team to save for their future

This Year's Contribution Limits

Maximum employee elective contribution (age 49 and younger)

$24,500, up from $23,500 in 2025

Maximum employee elective contribution (age 50 and older)

Additional $8,000, up from $7,500 in 2025

Maximum employee elective deferral plus catch-up contribution (age 50 or older)

$32,500, up from $31,000 in 2025

Defined contribution maximum limit, employee + employer (age 49 or younger)

$72,000, up from $70,000 in 2025

Defined contribution maximum limit (age 50 or older), all sources + catch-up

$80,000, up from $79,000 in 2025

Highly compensated employees’ threshold for nondiscrimination testing

$160,000, remaining the same as in 2025.

Key employee officer compensation threshold

$235,000, up from $230,000 in 2025

Annual compensation limit for HCEs and key employees

$360,000, up from $350,000 in 2025

Want to learn more about the limits? Download our 2026 IRS Contributions Limits guide today!

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An Employee Guide to 401(k) Plans
Here’s everything you need to know about enrolling in your company’s retirement plan.
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Overview

Each year the IRS updates the amount of money individuals may save for retirement into 401(k) and IRA plans.

  • Learn how much you can save this year
  • Maximize your retirement plan contributions
  • Incentivize your team to save for their future

This Year's Contribution Limits

Maximum employee elective contribution (age 49 and younger)

$24,500, up from $23,500 in 2025

Maximum employee elective contribution (age 50 and older)

Additional $8,000, up from $7,500 in 2025

Maximum employee elective deferral plus catch-up contribution (age 50 or older)

$32,500, up from $31,000 in 2025

Defined contribution maximum limit, employee + employer (age 49 or younger)

$72,000, up from $70,000 in 2025

Defined contribution maximum limit (age 50 or older), all sources + catch-up

$80,000, up from $79,000 in 2025

Highly compensated employees’ threshold for nondiscrimination testing

$160,000, remaining the same as in 2025.

Key employee officer compensation threshold

$235,000, up from $230,000 in 2025

Annual compensation limit for HCEs and key employees

$360,000, up from $350,000 in 2025

Want to learn more about the limits? Download our 2026 IRS Contributions Limits guide today!

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Overview

Each year the IRS updates the amount of money individuals may save for retirement into 401(k) and IRA plans.

  • Learn how much you can save this year
  • Maximize your retirement plan contributions
  • Incentivize your team to save for their future

This Year's Contribution Limits

Maximum employee elective contribution (age 49 and younger)

$24,500, up from $23,500 in 2025

Maximum employee elective contribution (age 50 and older)

Additional $8,000, up from $7,500 in 2025

Maximum employee elective deferral plus catch-up contribution (age 50 or older)

$32,500, up from $31,000 in 2025

Defined contribution maximum limit, employee + employer (age 49 or younger)

$72,000, up from $70,000 in 2025

Defined contribution maximum limit (age 50 or older), all sources + catch-up

$80,000, up from $79,000 in 2025

Highly compensated employees’ threshold for nondiscrimination testing

$160,000, remaining the same as in 2025.

Key employee officer compensation threshold

$235,000, up from $230,000 in 2025

Annual compensation limit for HCEs and key employees

$360,000, up from $350,000 in 2025

Want to learn more about the limits? Download our 2026 IRS Contributions Limits guide today!

Get your guide
Enter your details below to download your free PDF now
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Your submission has been received! Now you can download the guide by clicking the button below.
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Click the button below to download the PDF

Relevant resources

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Annual IRS Contribution Limits

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