2026 Retirement Account Contribution Limits 

Written by: Jacob Brydels, Wealth Manager

As we move into 2026, several updates to retirement savings limits and regulations have taken effect. These changes, largely driven by cost-of-living adjustments and the continued rollout of the SECURE 2.0 Act, offer new opportunities to accelerate your long-term savings.

Below is a summary of the key increases and new rules for the 2026 tax year.

Contribution Limit Increases 

The IRS has released its inflation adjusted contribution limits, increasing the amounts Americans can save in tax advantaged retirement accounts.  

• 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) employee deferral limits rise from $23,500 in 2025 to $24,500 in 2026. 
• Traditional and Roth IRA contribution limits increased from $7,000 to $7,500. 

Catch-Up Contributions (Age 50+) 

• 401(k), 403(b), most 457(b), and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Catch-up rises from $7,500 to $8,000. 
• For savers aged 60–63, the SECURE 2.0 “super catch-up” remains $11,250. 
• Traditional and Roth IRA catch-up contribution increased from $1,000 to $1,100.   

Examples:  

If you are over age 50 and under age 59, you can contribute $8,600 to your Traditional or Roth IRA, and up to $32,500 to your 401(k), 403(b), 457(b) or TSP.                 

If you are age 60-63, you can contribute $8,600 to your Traditional or Roth IRA and up to $35,750 to your 401(k), 403(b), 457(b) or TSP. 

If you are age 64+, you can contribute $8,600 to your Traditional or Roth IRA, and up to $32,500 to your 401(k), 403(b), 457(b) or TSP.              

Mandatory Roth Catch-Up Contributions for High-Income Earners 

Beginning in 2026, under the SECURE 2.0 Act, high income workers must change how they make catch-up contributions. 

(This affects savers age 50+, including those eligible for the catch-up at ages 60–63) 

If an employee earned more than $150,000 in wages in the prior year: 

• All catch-up contributions must be made as Roth contributions (after-tax). 
• They cannot be made pre-tax. 
• If an employer plan does not offer a Roth option, the employee may be ineligible to make any catch-up contributions. 
• High earners should verify whether their employer offers Roth contributions, as catch-up rules now require them. 

SIMPLE IRA & SIMPLE 401(k) 

Beyond traditional 401(k)s and IRAs, the IRS has updated limits across additional retirement plans: 

• Employee deferral limit: $17,000 (up from $16,500). 
• SIMPLE catch-up contribution (50+): $4,000 (up from $3,500). 
• SIMPLE “super catch-up” (ages 60–63): $5,250 for eligible enhanced plans. 

2026 HSA Contribution Limits 

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) also receive annual inflation adjustments: 

• Self-only coverage: $4,400 (up from $4,300). 
• Family coverage: $8,750 (up from $8,550). 
• Catch-up (age 55+): remains $1,000. 

Note: You must be enrolled in a High Deductible Health Insurance Plan to be eligible to make an HSA contribution.  You are also no longer eligible to contribute to an HSA once you are enrolled in Medicare.