401(k) Contribution Limits 2025 & 2026
Official IRS limits by age, including catch-up contributions. Enter your details to see your personal limit, how much room you have left, and your maximum tax savings this year.
| Category | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employee limit (under 50) | $23,500 | $23,500 | — |
| Catch-up (age 50–59 & 64+) | +$7,500 → $31,000 | +$7,500 → $31,000 | — |
| Super catch-up (age 60–63) ⭐ | +$11,250 → $34,750 | +$11,250 → $34,750 | New for 2025 |
| Total limit incl. employer (under 50) | $70,000 | $70,000 | — |
| Total limit incl. employer (50+) | $77,500 | $77,500 | — |
| Compensation limit (§415) | $350,000 | $350,000 | — |
⭐ SECURE 2.0 Act introduced an enhanced catch-up limit for ages 60–63 starting in 2025.
2025
2026
| Item | Amount |
|---|
How 401(k) Contribution Limits Work
The IRS sets annual limits on how much you can contribute to your 401(k) plan. These limits apply to your employee contributions only — employer matching contributions are separate and do not count toward your personal limit.
- Base limit — applies to all employees regardless of age: $23,500 for 2025 and 2026.
- Standard catch-up (age 50–59 and 64+) — an extra $7,500/year, bringing the total to $31,000.
- Super catch-up (age 60–63) — introduced by SECURE 2.0 in 2025, the enhanced catch-up is $11,250 instead of $7,500, for a total of $34,750.
- Tax savings — traditional 401(k) contributions reduce your taxable income. Max contribution × (federal + state rate) = taxes avoided this year.
Super Catch-up applies if age 60–63: Base + $11,250
Max Tax Savings = Your Limit × (Federal Rate + State Rate)
Monthly to Max = (Your Limit − Already Contributed) ÷ Months Remaining
Note: If your salary is below your limit (rare), your maximum contribution is capped at 100% of your compensation. The IRS §415 total limit (employee + employer contributions combined) is $70,000 for 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 401(k) contribution limit for 2025?
For 2025, the IRS employee contribution limit is $23,500 for workers under age 50. Workers aged 50–59 and 64+ can contribute an additional $7,500 catch-up, for a total of $31,000. Workers aged 60–63 have a new enhanced catch-up of $11,250 under the SECURE 2.0 Act, bringing their total to $34,750.
Did the 401(k) limit increase from 2025 to 2026?
For 2026, the base employee contribution limit remains at $23,500 — unchanged from 2025. The IRS adjusts limits for inflation, but only in $500 increments. When inflation doesn’t warrant a full $500 increase, the limit stays flat. The catch-up contribution limits also remain at $7,500 (ages 50–59 and 64+) and $11,250 (ages 60–63) for 2026.
What is the SECURE 2.0 “super catch-up” contribution for ages 60–63?
Starting in 2025, the SECURE 2.0 Act introduced an enhanced catch-up contribution for employees aged 60, 61, 62, or 63. Instead of the standard $7,500 catch-up, these workers can contribute an extra $11,250, for a total limit of $34,750. This window closes at age 64, when you revert to the standard $7,500 catch-up.
Does the employer match count toward my 401(k) limit?
No. The $23,500 (or $31,000/$34,750) limit applies only to your own contributions. Employer matching contributions are in addition to your limit. The combined employee + employer limit is $70,000 for 2025 (or $77,500 if you’re eligible for catch-up contributions) — this is rarely reached by most employees.
What happens if I over-contribute to my 401(k)?
Excess contributions must be withdrawn by April 15 of the following year or you’ll face double taxation — once when contributed and again at withdrawal. Your plan administrator should catch over-contributions, but it’s your responsibility to track contributions if you change employers mid-year, since each employer’s system tracks only their plan.
How much can I save in taxes by maxing out my 401(k)?
It depends on your tax bracket. If you’re in the 22% federal bracket and your state charges 5%, every dollar contributed saves you 27 cents in taxes. Maxing out at $23,500 saves approximately $6,345 in taxes at that combined rate. At the 32% federal bracket, the savings on a full $23,500 contribution reach nearly $8,695 — use the calculator above to see your exact number.