2026 retirement plan limits: IRAs, 401(k)s and more

Each year, the IRS updates retirement plan contribution limits and income thresholds for tax-advantaged retirement savings plans. For 2026, these routine inflation adjustments arrive alongside several policy changes affecting retirement savings plans.

Whether you're contributing to an employer-sponsored 401(k) or saving independently as a freelancer or small business owner, understanding the 2026 retirement plan contribution limits, income phaseouts and catch-up rules can help you adjust your financial strategy and make tax-smart decisions throughout the year.

2026 retirement plan contribution limits

As part of its broader annual tax updates, the IRS adjusts retirement plan contribution limits and income phaseouts each year. These updates occur alongside other tax changes, such as adjustments to tax brackets, credits and deductions.

For 2026, the usual inflation adjustments arrive along with the continued rollout of provisions from the SECURE Act 2.0. This legislation expanded catch-up contributions for savers age 50 and older. Those between ages 60 and 63 may also be eligible for an additional super catch-up contribution during these years.

Here's a quick overview of the key 2026 retirement plan contribution limits, including catch-up contributions.

2026 retirement plan limits by age

* SEP IRA contributions are limited to the lesser of 25% of compensation or $72,000, with a compensation cap of $360,000.

** Solo 401(k) totals include employee and employer contributions and are subject to the $72,000 annual additions limit, excluding catch-up contributions.

Because each type of retirement account operates under its own set of rules, these contribution limits are only part of the picture. Factors like eligibility requirements, income phaseouts and the ability to deduct contributions can vary significantly by plan type. Many retirement plans are also subject to additional annual inflation adjustments that affect compensation caps, income thresholds and other key limits.

Here are the specific rules and 2026 updates that apply to each type of retirement plan.

Traditional IRAs

Traditional IRAs allow you to make tax-deferred contributions toward retirement. In many cases, these contributions may also be tax-deductible, depending on your income and whether you have access to a workplace retirement plan.

Traditional IRA contribution limits

Contribution limits for traditional IRAs are determined by age, with individuals age 50 and older eligible to make an additional $1,100 catch-up contribution.

For 2026, the following contribution limits apply.

• Younger than age 50: $7,500
• Age 50 and older: $8,600

These limits apply across all IRA accounts combined. If you contribute to both a traditional and Roth IRA, your total contributions across all IRAs can't exceed the annual limit.

Traditional IRA deduction phaseouts

While anyone with earned income can contribute to a traditional IRA, the ability to deduct these contributions may be limited if you or your spouse has access to a workplace retirement plan. If you both don't have access to a workplace retirement plan and you earn less than $242,000 per year, you can deduct the full amount of your contribution up to the annual limit.

If you or your spouse are covered by a workplace retirement plan, your ability to deduct IRA contributions is based on your modified adjusted gross income, or MAGI.

For 2026, deduction phaseouts for individuals who are covered by a workplace retirement plan begin at the following income levels.

If your income falls within the phaseout range, you may still qualify for a partial deduction. But if your income exceeds these amounts, you won't be eligible to deduct your contributions.

Roth IRAs

Roth IRAs allow your retirement savings to grow tax-free and provide tax-free withdrawals in retirement, as long as you meet certain eligibility requirements. Unlike traditional IRAs, Roth contributions are made with after-tax dollars, meaning you won't receive a tax deduction for contributions today.

2026 contribution limits

Contribution limits for Roth IRAs are determined by age, with those age 50 and older eligible to make an additional $1,100 catch-up contribution.

For 2026, the following contribution limits apply.

• Younger than age 50: $7,500
• Age 50 and older: $8,600

As with traditional IRAs, these limits apply across all IRA accounts combined. If you contribute to both a traditional and Roth IRA, your total contributions can't exceed the annual limit.

2026 Roth IRA eligibility limits

Your ability to contribute to a Roth IRA depends on your MAGI. For 2026, Roth IRA eligibility begins to phase out at the following income levels.

If your income falls within the phaseout range, you may still be eligible to contribute a reduced amount. However, you may not be eligible to contribute directly to a Roth IRA if your income exceeds these limits.

Because of these income restrictions, your MAGI is often an important factor when deciding whether a traditional or Roth IRA may be the better fit for your retirement savings strategy.

Learn more about IRA phaseouts and contribution limits.

401(k), 403(b) and 457 plans

Employer-sponsored retirement plans remain one of the most powerful ways to build long-term savings. While traditional 401(k) plans are the most popular, other types of employer-sponsored plans include 403(b) plans, governmental 457(b) plans, Roth 401(k) plans and the federal government's Thrift Savings Plan.

These plans allow employees to contribute pretax dollars directly from their paycheck, often with additional employer contributions such as matching and profit-sharing contributions.

2026 401(k) contribution limits

For 2026, contribution limits for 401(k), 401(b) and 457 plans vary by age. Individuals ages 50 to 59 or 64 and older are eligible for an $8,000 catch-up contribution in addition to the standard contribution limit. Those ages 60 to 63 may qualify for a larger super catch-up contribution of $11,250.

For 2026, the following contribution limits apply.

• Younger than age 50: $24,500
• Ages 50 to 59 and 64 or older: $32,500
• Ages 60 to 63: $35,750

Total contribution limits

Employer contributions are subject to a broader IRS cap known as the annual additions limit, which restricts the total amount that can be contributed to a defined contribution plan each year. For 2026, this limit increased to $72,000, excluding catch-up contributions.

SEP IRAs

A Simplified Employee Pension IRA, or SEP IRA, is commonly used by small businesses and self-employed individuals as a relatively simple way to offer retirement benefits.

SEP plans allow employers to make tax-deductible contributions on behalf of employees. Contributions are made entirely by the employer, meaning employees can't contribute a portion of their salary into the account.

2026 SEP IRA contribution limits

For 2026, SEP IRA contributions are limited to the lesser of 25% of employee compensation or $72,000. Compensation used to calculate contributions is capped at $360,000.

Because SEP IRA contributions are calculated as a percentage of compensation and employers must contribute the same percentage for all eligible employees, the IRS doesn't allow age-based catch-up contributions for SEP IRAs.

Solo 401(k)s

A solo 401(k)—also known as an individual 401(k)—is designed for self-employed individuals and business owners with no employees other than a spouse. One advantage of a solo 401(k) is that contributions can be made in two ways: as both the employee and the employer.

2026 solo 401(k) contribution limits

For 2026, contribution limits for solo 401(k)s follow the same structure as traditional 401(k) plans. Individuals ages 50 to 59 and 64 or older are eligible for an $8,000 catch-up contribution, while those ages 60 to 63 may qualify for a larger super catch-up contribution of $11,250.

For 2026, the following contribution limits apply.

• Employee contribution: Up to $24,500
• Employer contribution: Up to 25% of compensation

Combined contributions can't exceed the following limits.

• Younger than age 50: $72,000
• Ages 50 to 59 and 64 or older: $80,000
• Ages 60 to 63: $83,250

Because solo 401(k)s allow both employee and employer contributions, they can often provide higher potential savings limits than SEP IRAs at lower income levels.

SIMPLE plans

SIMPLE IRAs and SIMPLE 401(k) plans are designed for small employers with relatively straightforward retirement plan needs.

Compared with traditional 401(k) plans, SIMPLE plans generally have lower contribution limits but fewer administrative requirements—making them a common option for small businesses that want to offer retirement benefits.

For 2026, the following contribution limits apply.

• Younger than age 50: $17,000
• Ages 50 to 59 and 64 or older: $21,000
• Ages 60 to 63: $22,250

Employers must also make contributions to the plan, either by providing a matching contribution or by contributing a fixed percentage of employee compensation for eligible workers.

Common retirement plan limit questions

Here are answers to some common questions about 2026 retirement plan limits, including contribution rules, catch-up provisions and distribution requirements.

What are catch-up contributions?

Catch-up contributions allow individuals age 50 and older to contribute more than the standard annual limit to certain retirement accounts. These additional contributions are designed to help people boost their retirement savings as they approach retirement. Under the SECURE Act 2.0, some savers between ages 60 and 63 may also be eligible for a larger super catch-up contribution during these years.

What are the new Roth catch-up rules for higher earners?

The SECURE Act 2.0 introduced a change affecting how catch-up contributions are taxed for some higher earners. Starting in 2026, employees 50 and older whose wages exceeded $145,000 in the prior year must make catch-up contributions to workplace retirement plans on an after-tax basis through a Roth account. While these individuals won't be eligible to make catch-up contributions on a pretax basis, qualified withdrawals in retirement may be tax-free.

To comply with the SECURE Act 2.0, employers that allow catch-up contributions must offer a Roth contribution option. If you contribute to a workplace retirement plan and are 50 or older, determine whether your employer offers a Roth option so you can plan your retirement contributions accordingly.

What's the required minimum distribution for 2026?

The IRS doesn't adjust required minimum distributions, or RMDs, annually for inflation. Instead, your RMD is recalculated each year by dividing your retirement account balance as of December 31 of the prior year by a life expectancy factor from IRS tables.

As a result, many retirees will see their RMDs increase over time due to one of two factors.

• Age: As you get older, the IRS life expectancy divisor decreases—meaning a larger percentage of your account must be withdrawn.
• Market performance: Your year-end balance may be higher if your investments perform well, which can increase the amount you must withdraw.

Because both your account balance and life expectancy factor can change each year, the amount you must withdraw will also change. Failing to take an RMD can trigger a penalty of 25% of the amount not withdrawn, although it may be reduced if corrected promptly.

The bottom line

Retirement contribution limits change regularly, and the 2026 updates—including higher limits, revised income phaseouts and expanded catch-up rules—may create new opportunities when planning for retirement. Review these changes early to help you decide whether to increase contributions or adjust your broader financial strategy.

If you're unsure how these rules apply to your situation, consider consulting a financial advisor or tax professional to help you navigate annual IRS updates and identify ways to maximize tax-advantaged retirement savings.