Guide · 3 min read
2026 401(k), IRA, and HSA contribution limits
Current-year contribution limits for 401(k), Roth IRA, Traditional IRA, HSA, and catch-up contributions.
Retirement account contribution limits adjust for inflation most years. Here are the 2026 limits (note: for tax year 2026; some of these were announced late 2025). Always verify current figures with the IRS or your plan administrator.
2026 401(k) and 403(b) limits
- Employee contribution: $23,500 (up from $23,000 in 2025)
- Catch-up contribution (age 50+): $7,500 additional — total $31,000
- Super catch-up (age 60-63): $11,250 additional — total $34,750
- Employer + employee combined: $70,000 (or $77,500 with catch-up)
2026 IRA limits (Traditional and Roth)
- Contribution limit: $7,000 (same as 2025)
- Catch-up (50+): $1,000 additional — total $8,000
- Roth income phase-out (single): $150,000-$165,000 estimated
- Roth income phase-out (married filing jointly): $236,000-$246,000 estimated
2026 HSA limits
- Self-only coverage: $4,400
- Family coverage: $8,750
- Catch-up (55+): $1,000 additional
- Requires enrollment in HSA-eligible high-deductible health plan
2026 FSA limits
- Health FSA: $3,300
- Dependent care FSA: $5,000
- Commuter benefits: $325/month each for transit and parking
Why these matter
Tax-advantaged space is use-it-or-lose-it each year. If you have extra cash to invest, filling up these buckets before taxable brokerage is almost always optimal. Order of priority: 401(k) match → HSA (if eligible) → Roth IRA → max 401(k) → taxable.
Action items
- Update your 401(k) contribution % to hit the new limit
- Schedule 12 monthly Roth IRA transfers of $583 ($7,000 ÷ 12)
- If over 50: add catch-up contributions
- If HSA-eligible: max it — triple tax advantage (pre-tax contribution, tax-free growth, tax-free medical withdrawals)
Frequently asked questions
When do 2026 limits take effect?+
January 1, 2026 for calendar-year plans. IRA contributions for tax year 2026 can be made through April 15, 2027. 401(k) contributions must be made by December 31, 2026.
What if I contributed too much?+
Excess contributions must be withdrawn before the tax deadline (including earnings) to avoid 6% excise tax per year. Contact your plan administrator or IRA custodian to request a withdrawal of excess contributions.
Can I contribute to both a 401(k) and IRA in the same year?+
Yes. The limits are separate. You can contribute up to $23,500 to 401(k) AND $7,000 to IRA in 2026, for a total of $30,500 (or more with catch-up contributions).
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