Every year, the IRS adjusts retirement account contribution limits for inflation. If you don't know the current limits, you're either leaving tax-advantaged savings on the table or accidentally over-contributing (which triggers penalties). Here's the complete breakdown for 2026.
| Account Type | Employee Contribution Limit | Catch-Up (50+) |
|---|---|---|
| 401(k), 403(b), 457 | $24,500 | +$8,000 |
| Total (employer + employee) | $72,000 | +$8,000 |
This is your pre-tax (or Roth) contribution from your salary. Your employer's match doesn't count against your limit — it's part of the total $72,000 cap.
| Account Type | Contribution Limit | Catch-Up (50+) |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional IRA | $7,500 | +$1,100 |
| Roth IRA | $7,500 | +$1,100 |
The $7,500 limit applies to combined contributions across all your Traditional and Roth IRAs. You can split it any way you want.
| Filing Status | Full Contribution | Phase-Out Begins | Fully Phased Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | < $153,000 | $153,000 | $168,000 |
| Married Filing Jointly | < $242,000 | $242,000 | $252,000 |
Above these limits, you can't contribute directly to a Roth IRA — but a Backdoor Roth IRA conversion works regardless of income.
| Coverage Type | Contribution Limit | Catch-Up (55+) |
|---|---|---|
| Self-only | $4,400 | +$1,000 |
| Family | $8,750 | +$1,000 |
HSA is the most tax-advantaged account available: triple tax-free (contributions deductible, growth tax-free, qualified medical withdrawals tax-free). After 65, you can withdraw for any penalty-free.
See exactly how these annual limits compound over decades:
401(k) Calculator → · IRA Calculator → · Compound Interest →
Not all at once — unless you're a high earner. The optimal order is:
1. Contribute to your 401(k) up to the full employer match (free money).
2. Max out your HSA if you have a high-deductible health plan.
3. Max out your IRA (Roth or Traditional based on your tax situation).
4. Go back and max out your 401(k) the rest of the way.
5. Use a taxable brokerage for anything beyond that.