Tax year 2026  ·  Reviewed October 7, 2026  ·  By Nazim Lokhandwala

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Printable checklist for your desk

Print this one-page cheat sheet and keep it near your desk. Large print, easy to read away from the screen.

Download the PDF (large print) 2026 limits cheat sheet  ·  Opens in any PDF viewer  ·  No sign-up needed

Workplace plans

These limits apply to what you can put in from your own paycheck. Your employer's contributions are separate. [1]

2026 employee contribution limits
Plan2026 limitExtra if 50 or olderExtra if 60 to 63
401(k), 403(b), governmental 457(b), Thrift Savings Plan$24,500$8,000 (total $32,500)$11,250 instead of $8,000 (total $35,750)
SIMPLE plan$17,000 ($18,100 for certain plans)$4,000 ($3,850 for certain plans)$5,250

Roth 401(k) and other workplace Roth accounts

If your plan offers a Roth option, you can split your own contributions between Roth and pre-tax. Together they cannot go over the limit in the table above. [3]

Roth 401(k) at a glance
QuestionAnswer
What is the 2026 limit?The same $24,500 as a regular 401(k), plus the catch-up amounts above if you qualify. Roth and pre-tax contributions share that one limit.
Is there an income limit?No. The Roth IRA income limits do not apply to a Roth 401(k).
Do I have to take money out during my life?No. Withdrawals from a Roth 401(k) are not required until after the owner's death.
Are the withdrawals tax-free?Qualified withdrawals are: the account open at least five years, and you are 59½ or older, disabled, or the withdrawal follows your death.
Is there a Roth rule for higher earners?For 2026, the IRS wage threshold is $150,000. If your pay from your employer was above that, your catch-up contributions generally must go in as Roth. Ask your plan administrator whether this applies to you.

IRAs

Traditional and Roth IRAs combined2026 limit
Annual contribution$7,500 (up from $7,000)
Extra if 50 or older$1,100 (total $8,600)

The IRA limit is one amount shared across all of your Traditional and Roth IRAs. It does not apply separately to each account.

Income limits that decide how much you can use

Roth IRA: who can contribute directly (MAGI)
Filing statusPhase-out range
Single or head of household$153,000 to $168,000
Married filing jointly$242,000 to $252,000
Married filing separately, lived together$0 to $10,000

Read more in Can You Contribute to a Roth IRA in 2026?

Traditional IRA: when the deduction shrinks (MAGI)
SituationPhase-out range
Single, covered by a plan at work$81,000 to $91,000
Married filing jointly, contributor covered at work$129,000 to $149,000
Married filing jointly, not covered but spouse is$242,000 to $252,000
Married filing separately, covered at work$0 to $10,000

Read more in Can You Deduct a Traditional IRA Contribution in 2026?

Saver's Credit

Lower and moderate income savers may qualify for a tax credit for contributing to a retirement account. The 2026 income limits are below. [1]

Filing status2026 income limit
Married filing jointly$80,500
Head of household$60,375
Single or married filing separately$40,250

Plan a conversation

Frequently asked questions

What is the 2026 401(k) contribution limit?

$24,500 for 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457(b), and Thrift Savings Plan accounts, plus $8,000 if you are 50 or older ($11,250 at ages 60 to 63).

Roth 401(k) and pre-tax 401(k): do they have separate limits?

No. Roth and pre-tax contributions share the one $24,500 limit, plus any catch-up amount you qualify for.

Is there an income limit for a Roth 401(k)?

No. The Roth IRA income limits do not apply to a Roth 401(k).

Sources and review notes

  1. IRS news release IR-2025-111: 2026 contribution and income limits
  2. IRS Notice 2025-67
  3. IRS: Roth comparison chart (Roth IRA, designated Roth account, and pre-tax 401(k)). The chart shows older-year dollar amounts; use this guide for 2026 limits.
  4. IRS: Required minimum distribution FAQs

General education, not individualized investment, tax, or legal advice. Discuss tax decisions with your tax professional, and recheck annual limits before using this page for another tax year.