What the IRS is Changing in 2026

The Internal Revenue System (IRS) has released the retirement plan contribution limits for 2026.

Plan Limits for Plan Year

401(k) Related Limits	2026	2025	2024
401(k)/403(b) Elective Deferrals	$24,500	$23,500	$23,000
Annual Defined Contribution Limit	$72,000	$70,000	$69,000
Annual Compensation Limit	$360,000	$350,000	$345,000
Catch-Up Contribution Limit	$8,000	$7,500	$7,500
Higher Catch-Up Contribution Limit (Ages 60-63)	$11,250	$11,250	$0
Highly Compensated Employees	$160,000	$160,000	$155,000

Non-401(k) Related Limits	2026	2025	2024
457 Elective Deferrals	$24,500	$23,500	$23,000
SIMPLE Employee Deferrals	$17,000	$16,500	$16,000
SIMPLE Catch-Up Deferral	$4,000	$3,500	$3,500
Social Security Wage Base	$184,500	$176,100	$168,600
IRA Annual Contribution Limit	$7,500	$7,000	$7,000
IRA Catch-up Limit	$1,100	$1,000	$1,000

The IRS has also adjusted the Roth Catch-up FICA wage threshold: Participants age 50 or older who earned more than $150,000 in the previous year must designate catch-up deferrals as Roth contributions

Highlights of Changes for 2026:

The contribution limit for employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan is increased to $24,500, up from $23,500. Catch-up contributions for those 50-59 & 64 or older are allowed an additional $8,000, same as 2025. Under SECURE 2.0, a higher catch-up contribution was added for those ages 60-63. In 2026, they are able to contribute and an additional $3,250, for a total of $11,250 in catch-ups.

Taxpayers can deduct contributions to a traditional IRA if they meet certain conditions. If during the year either the taxpayer or their spouse was covered by a retirement plan at work, the deduction may be reduced, or phased out, until it is eliminated, depending on filing status and income. (If neither the taxpayer nor their spouse is covered by a retirement plan at work, the phase-outs of the deduction do not apply.)

Here are the phase-out ranges for 2026:

• For single taxpayers covered by a workplace retirement plan, the phase-out range is $81,000 to $91,000, up from $79,000 to $89,000.

• For married couples filing jointly, where the spouse making the IRA contribution is covered by a workplace retirement plan, the phase-out range is $129,000 to $149,000, up from $126,000 to $146,000. 

• For an IRA contributor who is not covered by a workplace retirement plan and is married to someone who is covered, the deduction is phased out if the couple’s income is between $242,000 and $252,000, up from $236,000 and $246,000. 

• For a married individual filing a separate return who is covered by a workplace retirement plan, the phase-out range is not subject to an annual cost-of-living adjustment and remains $0 to $10,000.

The income phase-out range for taxpayers making contributions to a Roth IRA:

• For singles and heads of household is $153,000 to $168,000, up from $153,000 to $168,000.

• For married couples filing jointly is $242,000 to $252,000, up from $236,000 to $246,000.

• For a married individual filing a separate return who makes contributions to a Roth IRA, the phase-out range is not subject to an annual cost-of-living adjustment and remains $0 to $10,000.

The income limit for the Saver's Credit (also known as the Retirement Savings Contributions Credit) for low- and moderate-income workers is $80,500 for married couples filing jointly, up from $79,000; $60,375 for heads of household, up from $59,250; and $40,250 for singles and married individuals filing separately, up from $39,500.

Click the link to view the full IRS Notice 2025-67.