The 2026 employee deferral limit is $24,500 if you're under 50, or $32,000 with catch-up contributions. Every dollar below that limit is a dollar that never compounds tax-advantaged. Here's the full breakdown.
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| Limit type | Under 50 | 50 and older |
|---|---|---|
| Employee deferral (your contributions) | $24,500 | $24,500 |
| Catch-up contribution | N/A | $7,500 |
| Total employee deferral | $24,500 | $32,000 |
| Combined limit (employee + employer) | $70,000 | $77,500 |
IRS, 2026
Only your own salary deferrals count against the $24,500 cap. This includes both pre-tax (Traditional) and after-tax (Roth) 401(k) contributions. They share one limit.
Employer matching contributions, employer profit-sharing contributions, and any after-tax non-Roth contributions go toward the separate combined limit ($70,000). For most employees, the combined limit is never the binding constraint. The $24,500 employee deferral is the number to watch.
Check your latest pay stub or log into your plan portal (Fidelity, Vanguard, Empower, etc.). Look for "YTD Employee Contributions" or "YTD Deferrals."
Subtract your YTD contributions from $24,500 (or $32,000 if 50+). That's how much you still need to contribute before December 31.
Count how many paychecks you have left this year. Divide the gap by that number. That's the per-paycheck deferral amount you need to set.
Update your contribution percentage through HR or your plan portal. Changes typically take effect within 1-2 pay periods. Don't wait until December.
A 401(k) deadline reminder in October or November gives you the 2-3 pay periods needed to make adjustments before the year ends.
| Year | Employee deferral (under 50) | Catch-up (50+) |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $23,000 | $7,500 |
| 2025 | $23,500 | $7,500 |
| 2026 | $24,500 | $7,500 |
IRS annual cost-of-living adjustments
The IRS adjusts limits annually for inflation. The limit has increased every year since 2020. Each year you don't contribute the maximum is a year that doesn't benefit from the higher ceiling.
The 2026 employee deferral limit is $24,500 for people under 50. If you are 50 or older, you can contribute an additional $7,500 catch-up, for a total of $32,000. These limits apply to the combined total of Traditional and Roth 401(k) contributions.
No. Employer matching and profit-sharing contributions are separate from your employee deferral limit. They count toward the overall combined limit ($70,000 in 2026), but not the $24,500 cap. Most employees never hit the combined limit.
The combined limit for employee deferrals plus employer contributions is $70,000 for 2026 ($77,500 if you are 50 or older and eligible for catch-up). This includes your salary deferrals, employer match, employer profit-sharing, and any after-tax contributions.
Yes. Traditional and Roth 401(k) contributions share the same $24,500 limit. You can split contributions between the two, but the total cannot exceed $24,500 (or $32,000 with catch-up). The difference is tax treatment, not the limit.
Check your year-to-date contributions on your pay stub or plan portal. Divide $24,500 by your remaining paychecks to see the per-paycheck deferral needed. If the number is higher than your current deferral, increase it now. A reminder in October gives you time to adjust before December 31.
Excess deferrals must be withdrawn by April 15 of the following year. If not corrected, the excess is taxed in the year contributed and again when withdrawn in retirement. If you have multiple 401(k) plans, you are responsible for tracking the combined total.
Set a free reminder before December 31. Check your pace, adjust your deferral, and max out your 401(k).
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