2026 401(k) Limits Increased: What Savers Can Contribute This Year
The 2026 401(k) employee contribution limit is higher than 2025. Here are the standard and catch-up limits, including the special age 60–63 amount.
Last updated: October 8, 2026.
Retirement-plan limits change with inflation, so an old automatic contribution percentage may no longer use all of the space available in a 401(k).
The Main 2026 Limit
The employee elective-deferral limit increased to $24,500 for 2026. This is the amount an employee can generally defer from salary into covered plans, subject to plan rules and compensation.
Catch-Up Contributions
Participants who are age 50 or older by year-end may be allowed additional catch-up contributions. For 2026, the general catch-up amount is $8,000.
Ages 60 Through 63 Have a Higher Limit
Under SECURE 2.0 changes, the higher 2026 catch-up limit for eligible participants age 60, 61, 62 or 63 is $11,250.
Employer Contributions Use a Different Overall Limit
Employee deferrals are not the only money that can enter a plan. Employer matching and nonelective contributions count toward a separate overall annual additions limit.
Related reading: 2026 standard deduction and tax brackets · 2026 business mileage rate changes
The Bottom Line
If you want to maximize contributions, check your plan rules and payroll settings before the final pay periods of the year. This article is general information, not individual tax or investment advice.
Source: IRS — 401(k) Contribution Limits.
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