4 min read | Published: November 2026
Each year the IRS releases new limits that often allow you to save even more in your retirement plan. The table below shows the maximum allowable contributions for most plan types as well as a number of plan thresholds. For individuals contributing to multiple plans, the limits are generally not per plan but apply across all plans. 457(b) plans are independent of the other plan combined limits.
If you are age 50 or older, you may be eligible for a catch-up contribution. Please note that if you have a governmental 457(b) plan, you can’t use both the age-based and the service-based catch-up provision in the same year. However, you can use whichever is greater. The age-based catch-up provision is not available to participants in nongovernmental 457(b) plans. Your financial professional can assist you in determining your limit.
Limits for retirement plan contributions
Employer-sponsored plans: 403(b), 401(k), 457(b) and SARSEP | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Pretax and designated Roth contributions combined | ||
Elective salary deferral limit for 403(b), 401(k) and SARSEP1 | $24,500 | $25,500 |
Deferral limit for 457(b) (including employee and employer contributions, if any) | $24,500 | $25,500 |
| Age-based catch-up contributions | ||
| Age 50 to 59 and 64+ limit* (not applicable to nongovernmental 457(b) plans)2 | $8,000 | $8,500 |
| Age 60 to 63 catch-up limit* (not applicable to nongovernmental 457(b) plans)3 | $11,250 | $11,750 |
| *Social Security FICA wage threshold (403(b), 401(k), and governmental 457(b) plans only) If Social Security FICA wages earned in the prior year exceed the threshold, any age-based catch-up contributions must be designated Roth contributions4 | $150,000 | $155,000 |
| Service-based catch-up contributions | ||
| 403(b) service-based catch-up limit (for employees with 15 or more years of service who work for a qualifying employer and have undercontributed in prior years) | $3,000 | $3,000 |
457(b) service-based catch-up limit (for employees who have undercontributed in prior years and are within the last three taxable years ending the year before the year they attain normal retirement age as specified under the plan) 457(b) age-based and service-based catch-up contributions cannot be combined, but you may choose the higher of the two | $24,500 | $25,500 |
Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) | 2026 | 2027 |
| Traditional and Roth IRAs | ||
| Contribution limit | $7,500 | $7,500 |
| Age 50+ catch-up contribution limit | $1,100 | $1,100 |
| SIMPLE IRA | ||
| Salary deferral limit (general) | $17,000 | $17,500 |
| Salary deferral limit (employers with 25 or fewer employees)5 | $18,100 | $19,100 |
| Age 50 to 59 and 64+ catch-up contribution limit (general) | $4,000 | $4,000 |
| Age 50 to 59 and 64+ catch-up contribution limit (employers with 25 or fewer employees)6 | $3,850 | $3,850 |
| Age 60 to 63 catch-up contribution limit (all) | $5,250 | $5,250 |
Other limits | 2026 | 2027 |
| 415 limit for defined contribution plans (limit on total employer and employee contributions, whether elective or not; does not apply to 457(b) plans) | $72,000 | $75,000 |
| 415 limit for defined benefit plans | $290,000 | $300,000 |
| Highly compensated minimum salary | $160,000 | $170,000 |
| 401(a)(17) compensation limit (may be considered under a tax-qualified plan unless grandfathered government plan) | $360,000 | $375,000 |
| Social Security wage base (gross earnings subject to Social Security taxes in a given year) | $184,500 | $192,300 |
It’s not just the money you contribute that adds up. It’s what you earn on your money that has the opportunity to snowball far beyond what you save yourself. It’s called compounding, and its impact multiplies the longer you invest.
See how earnings may grow over time7
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1 If you have only one 403(b), 401(k) or SARSEP- , you may save up to the limit in that one plan. However, if you have more than one of those plans, the limit is for all of them combined. The combined limit also includes contributions to a SIMPLE IRA, though the individual SIMPLE IRA individual contribution limit is lower.
2 Limitation under section 414(v)(2)(B)(i) for catch-up contributions to an applicable employer plan other than a plan described in section 401(k)(11) or section 408(p).
3 Limitation under section 414(v)(2)(E)(i) for catch-up contributions to an applicable employer plan other than a plan described in section 401(k)(11) or section 408(p).
4 Starting January 1, 2026, age-based catch-up contributions for individuals in most 403(b), 401(k), and governmental 457(b) plans who earned more than the threshold limit from the employer sponsoring their plan in the prior year must make age-based catch-up contributions as a designated Roth contribution. Please note that designated Roth catch-up availability is subject to the terms of your Plan.
5 If your employer has 25 or fewer employees, you may contribute up to $18,100. If your employer has 26 to 100 employees, they may allow the higher contribution limits if they contribute the required additional employer contribution. Check with your employer for details.
6 If your employer has 25 or fewer employees, the catch-up contribution limit for those who are age 50 to 59 and 64+ is $3,850 ($21,950 total contribution). The super catch-up contribution for those who are age 60 to 63 remains the same at $5,250 ($23,350 total contribution). If your employer has 26 to 100 employees, they may allow the higher contribution limits if they contribute the required additional employer contribution. Check with your employer for details.
7 This example is hypothetical, does not reflect the return of any specific investment, and is not a guarantee of a specific rate of return. Figures are based on an annual 5% rate of return on monthly contributions of $100. Income taxes must be paid at withdrawal. Federal restrictions and a 10% federal early withdrawal tax penalty may apply to withdrawals prior to age 59½. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that the investor’s units, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Fees and charges, if applicable, are not reflected in this example and would reduce the results shown. Bear in mind that investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.
RO #6012958 (10/2026)