2026 Retirement Plan Limits: What’s Changing for 401(k), IRA & Pension Plans

Bottom Line Up Front

  • The maximum 401(k) employee contribution for 2026 is $24,500, a $1,000 increase from the 2025 limit.
  • Catch-up contributions for individuals aged 50+ rise to $8,000, while the enhanced catch-up for those ages 60-63 remains $11,250, unchanged from 2025.
  • The annual benefit limit for defined benefit (DB) plans increases to $290,000, up $10,000 from 2025 limit.

The IRS has officially released the updated qualified retirement plan limits for 2026, giving savers and employers a clearer picture of what to expect in the year ahead. 

Starting in January, the 401(k) contribution limit will rise to $24,500, which is a $1,000 increase over the 2025 limit. For those age 50 and older, the catch-up contribution also ramps up. Individuals can put away up to $8,000 in additional savings next year. And for savers ages 60-63, the enhanced catch-up limit of $11,250 remains in place, offering even more room to boost retirement savings during peak earning years. 

*Important Note for High Earners: Under SECURE 2.0, employees who earned more than $150,000 in FICA wages from their employer in 2025 (known as “Highly Paid Individuals” or HPIs) are required to make all catch-up contributions on a Roth basis beginning in 2026. This applies to both the standard age 50+ catch-up and the enhanced catch-up for ages 60–63.

Below, you’ll find tables comparing the 2026 limits side-by-side with the current 2025 figures. These updates can spark meaningful conversations with clients, whether about maximizing savings, adjusting plan design, exploring tax-efficient combination strategies, or using stronger benefits to attract and retain talent in the year ahead.

2026 Contribution Limits for 401(k) Plans

These increases provide more room for high earners and near-retirees to contribute, making it a perfect time to discuss retirement goals and potential plan adjustments.

401(k) Plan Limits Chart

Non-401(k) Related Retirement Plan Limits for 2026

Deferred Compensation and Defined Benefit Plan Adjustments

With deferred compensation plan limits increasing to $24,500, this change allows participants to set aside additional income tax-free, an appealing option for executives and other high earners. Defined benefit plans also offer enhanced opportunities for future retirees to set aside more substantial savings.

Non-401(k) Related Plan Limits

Download the full white paper here: 401(K) Plan Limits & Non-401(k) Related Limits
Bonus:  2026 HSA and HDHP Limits

IRA Contribution Limits for 2026

Traditional and Roth IRA contribution limits will rise to $7,500 for the coming year, up from $7,000 in 2025. The catch-up contribution for IRAs remains steady at $1,000. 

For a detailed breakdown of these and other retirement-related limits for 2026, you can check out the full IRS release in Notice 2025-67.

Advisors, if you’re interested in a more in-depth retirement plan comparison chart or a free retirement plan review, you can reach one of our consultants here. 

Whenever you’re ready, here are three ways we can help: 

  1. Plan Design Review: Business owners, get a free review of your current retirement plan design here. 
  2. Tax Optimization: Discover tax-saving strategies that support employee retention and future planning here.
  3. Advisors’ Resource: Provide your clients with effective retirement plan options that can help them defer income and secure their employees’ futures here.

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