2026 Retirement Plan Contribution Limits
A clear, client-friendly reference for key IRS retirement plan limits and thresholds—shown with 2025 and 2024 for quick comparison.
401(k)/403(b)/457(b) deferral limit
$24,500
2026 (was $23,500 in 2025)
Catch-up (age 50+)
$8,000
2026 (was $7,500 in 2025)
Defined contribution annual additions (415(c))
$72,000
2026 (was $70,000 in 2025)
Maximum compensation (401(a)(17))
$360,000
2026 (was $350,000 in 2025)
Quick note: These limits are published annually by the IRS and Social Security Administration. Your plan document and plan year timing control how they apply to your specific plan.
Deferrals & catch-ups
Applies to common salary deferral plans: 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) governmental plans.
| Limit | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 401(k) / 403(b) elective deferral limit | $24,500 | $23,500 | $23,000 |
| 457(b) elective deferral limit (governmental plans) | $24,500 | $23,500 | $23,000 |
| Catch-up contribution (age 50+) | $8,000 | $7,500 | $7,500 |
| Higher catch-up contribution (ages 60–63) | $11,250 | $11,250 | — |
| Roth catch-up wage threshold (prior-year FICA wages) | $150,000 | $145,000 | — |
Client-friendly wording: If a participant’s prior-year wages exceed the Roth catch-up threshold, any catch-up contributions may need to be made as Roth (when applicable).
HCE, compensation & top-heavy (key employee)
| Threshold / limit | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highly Compensated Employee (HCE) threshold | $160,000 | $160,000 | $155,000 |
| Maximum compensation counted for plan purposes (401(a)(17)) | $360,000 | $350,000 | $345,000 |
| Key employee (officer) compensation threshold (top-heavy) | $235,000 | $230,000 | $220,000 |
| Key employee (1% owner) compensation threshold (top-heavy) | $150,000 | $150,000 | $150,000 |
Tip: HCE and key employee thresholds often drive nondiscrimination and top-heavy testing. If you’re unsure which threshold applies, your plan document and advisor can confirm.
Social Security wage base & integration
| Item | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Security taxable wage base (OASDI) | $184,500 | $176,100 | $168,600 |
| Maximum excess allowance (DC integration / permitted disparity) | 5.7% | 5.7% | 5.7% |
The wage base is set by the Social Security Administration. Permitted disparity limits are defined in Treasury regulations.
IRC §415 limits
| Limit | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defined benefit annual benefit limit (415(b)) | $290,000 | $280,000 | $275,000 |
| Defined contribution annual additions limit (415(c)) | $72,000 | $70,000 | $69,000 |
Deferrals: 401(k)/403(b)/457(b) increased to $24,500.
Catch-up (50+): increased to $8,000.
415(c): annual additions increased to $72,000.
401(a)(17): compensation cap increased to $360,000.
SSA wage base: increased to $184,500.
Official sources
- IRS Notice 2025-67 (2026 limits) — PDF
- IRS Notice 2024-80 (2025 limits) — PDF
- IRS Notice 2023-75 (2024 limits) — PDF
- IRS News Release (2026 summary)
- SSA Contribution & Benefit Base (wage base)
- 26 CFR 1.401(l)-2 (permitted disparity)
- IRC §416 (key employee definition)
Need help applying these limits to your plan design, payroll setup, or compliance testing? Contact Pension Services, Inc. for plan-specific guidance.
FAQ
Do these limits apply to the plan year or the calendar year?
Plan timing
Many dollar limits are stated by the IRS for the calendar year and generally apply to plan years beginning on or within that year. Your plan document determines operational details.
What is the “Roth catch-up wage threshold”?
SECURE 2.0
It’s a prior-year wage threshold used to determine whether catch-up contributions must be designated as Roth contributions (when applicable). For 2026, the threshold is $150,000.
What does “integration / permitted disparity” mean?
Plan design
Some plans may provide different contribution rates above/below a Social Security integration level. Treasury regulations limit the maximum “excess” (commonly referenced as 5.7%).
Disclaimer: Informational summary only; not legal or tax advice. Limits and applicability can depend on plan type, plan year timing, and plan document provisions.