Every year, the IRS updates various limits due to inflation. This covers everything from your tax rates and standard deductions to contribution limits for retirement accounts.
Earlier this month, the IRS released the 2026 contribution limits for a variety of retirement accounts and despite their best efforts, it’s formatted like an encyclopedia.
Here they are in a (hopefully) more easily readable format! 🤣
Table of Contents
401(k), 403(b), 457 & TSP Accounts
The contribution limits for 401(k), 403(b), 457 & TSP has increased to $24,500 – a $1,000 increase over 2025.
The catch-up contribution limit for those 50+ is an additional $8,000 – a $500 increase over 2025.
The super catch-up limit for those 60-63 is an additional $3,250 on top of the $8,000 for a total super catch-up of $11,250.
So the limits are now, based on age:
- Under 50 – $24,500
- 50 to 59 – $32,500
- 60 to 63 – $35,750
Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRA)
For IRAs, your contribution limit is now $7,500 – a $500 increase over 2025.
The catch up contribution limits for those over 50 years old has increased to $1,100 – a $100 increase over 2025.
The Roth IRA income phaseouts have increased as well and remains based on the modified adjusted gross income:
- For single and head of household, the range is $153,000 to $168,000.
- For married filing jointly, the range is $242,000 to $252,000.
- For married filing separate, the range remained the same and is $0 to $10,000.
Health Savings Account (HSA)
These figures were not explicitly listed in the IRS page but Fidelity has a useful recap.
If you are eligible for an HSA, your limits are now $4,400 for individuals (self-only) and $8,750 for family coverage.
The catch up contribution limit for those 55+ is an additional $1,000.
Other Limits and Ranges
The Saver’s Credit (Retirement Savings Contributions Credit) increased its income limits:
- Singles & married filing separate tax filers income limit is $40,250 – up from $39,500 in 2025
- Married filing jointly tax filers income limit is $80,500 – up from $79,000 in 2025
- Heads of household tax filers income limit is $60,375 – up from $59,250 in 2025
SIMPLE retirement account limits increased to $17,000 – up from $16,500 from 2025. Catch up contributions for those 50+ has increased to $4,000 and the super catch up (60-63) is $5,250.
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About Jim Wang
Jim Wang is a forty-something father of four who is a frequent contributor to Forbes and Vanguard’s Blog. He has also been fortunate to have appeared in the New York Times, Baltimore Sun, Entrepreneur, and Marketplace Money.
Jim has a B.S. in Computer Science and Economics from Carnegie Mellon University, an M.S. in Information Technology – Software Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, as well as a Masters in Business Administration from Johns Hopkins University. His approach to personal finance is that of an engineer, breaking down complex subjects into bite-sized easily understood concepts that you can use in your daily life.
One of his favorite tools (here’s my treasure chest of tools, everything I use) is Empower Personal Dashboard, which enables him to manage his finances in just 15-minutes each month. They also offer financial planning, such as a Retirement Planning Tool that can tell you if you’re on track to retire when you want. It’s free.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank or financial institution. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
