IRA and 401(k) contribution limits for 2026

The IRS recently announced the 2026 cost-of-living adjustments made to contribution limits and income thresholds for retirement plans. The new contribution limits reflect cost-of-living increases over the last year. Most adjustments are a modest increase over last year's numbers.

401(k)

2026 contribution limits for employee 401(k) plans will increase by $1,000 to $24,500.

2026 catch-up contribution limits for 401(k) participants aged 50 and older is increased to $8,000 for aged 50-59 and 64+

2026 catch-up contributions for 401(k) participants aged 60-63 remain at $11,250.

Traditional IRAs (individual retirement account)

The annual contribution cap for individual retirement accounts (IRA) is increasing by $500 to $7,500 per eligible individual.

IRA catch-up contributions for those 50 and over are increased to an additional $1,100 ($8,600 total contribution)

The deduction for taxpayers making contributions to a traditional IRA is phased out for singles and heads of household who are covered by a workplace retirement plan and have modified adjusted gross incomes (AGI) from $81,000 and $91,000, up $2,000 from the 2025 phase-out range.

For married couples filing jointly, in which the spouse who makes the IRA contribution is covered by a workplace retirement plan, the income phase-out increases by $3,000 to a range of $129,000 to $149,000. 

For an IRA contributor who is not covered by a workplace retirement plan and is married to someone who is covered, the deduction phase-out range was increased between $242,000 and $252,000.

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.

Roth IRAs

For married couples filing jointly, the income phase-out range for taxpayers contributing to a Roth IRA is an AGI of $242,000 to $252,000, an increase of $6,000 from 2025.

For singles and heads of household, the Roth IRA income phase-out range is an AGI of $153,000 to $168,000 (a $3,000 increase from 2025)

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

 Summary of 2026 contribution limits and income thresholds vs 2025

While the information provided is based on our understanding of current tax laws, and has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, it cannot be guaranteed. Federal tax laws are complex and subject to change. This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor.

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