How Much More You Can Stash in Your 401(k) and IRA in 2026
Written by
G. Brian Davis
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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Every year, the IRS sets new retirement account contribution limits based on cost-of-living adjustments.
So how have retirement account contribution and income limits changed in 2026?
Also see the typical 401(k) contribution rate from workers vs. the recommended rate.
New Traditional IRA Limits in 2026
The IRA contribution limit lifted from $7,000 in 2025 to $7,500 in 2026. Americans age 50 and over can contribute an extra $1,100 as a catch-up contribution (up from $1,000 last year).
That said, the IRS puts income limits on contributing. For single filers covered by a workplace retirement account, the ability to contribute phases out between $81,000 and $91,000.
The ability phases out between $129,000 and $149,000 for married taxpayers who have a workplace account, and between $242,000 and $252,000 for taxpayers who don’t have a workplace account but whose spouse has access to a workplace account.
Roth IRA Limits in 2026
The same contribution limits apply to Roth accounts, and you can split your contributions between each type of account. For example, a 45-year-old could contribute $4,000 to a Roth IRA and $3,500 to a traditional IRA, or any other combination that added up to $7,500.
Roth IRAs do come with different income limits, however. In 2026, single filers lose the ability to contribute between $153,000 and $168,000, and married couples lose the ability between $242,000 and $252,000.
New 401(k) Limits
Employees can contribute up to $24,500 to their workplace retirement account in 2026, up from $23,500 last year. Accounts include 401(k)s, 403(b)s, governmental 457 plans and Thrift Savings Plans.
Workers aged 50 and over contribute an extra $8,000, which bumps up to $11,250 as a “super catch-up” for workers aged 60 to 63 after a change in the SECURE 2.0 Act.
Jason Dall’Acqua of Crest Wealth Advisors highlighted a new change in 2026: “Workers 50+ who earn over $150,000 can only make catch-up contributions to their Roth workplace account.”
Employers can also contribute to their workers’ accounts, up to 25% of their eligible compensation for the year. The combined contribution can’t exceed $72,000 (or $80,000 or $83,250 for older workers).
Taking Full Advantage of Retirement Accounts
Automate your contributions to make sure they happen every payday or even every week. It ensures they happen but also that you invest consistently for dollar-cost averaging rather than trying to time the market with irregular lump sums.
Jared Porter of 401GO noted that many workers fail to adjust their contributions as limits rise. “If the ceiling lifts but your savings rate stays the same, you’re opting out of decades of compound interest,” he said.
High earners can also keep contributing above the income limit by using a tax loophole. “Contribute to your IRA even if you earn too much to deduct it, then convert it as a backdoor Roth IRA contribution,” recommended Alex Sukhanov, CEO of Nauma. You still pay taxes this year, but the money compounds tax-free in your Roth account.
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