The IRS caps how much you can contribute annually to 401(k) plans, IRAs and other retirement funds.
But, starting at age 50, you can go over those limits with catch-up contributions. How much more you can put toward retirement depends on the year and the account type.
What are catch-up contributions?
Introduced by President George W. Bush in 2001, catch-up contributions allow older workers to make additional deposits into their retirement savings accounts starting Jan. 1 of the year they turn 50.
The dollar amount depends on the kind of account and fluctuates with inflation. The 2026 catch-up contribution for 401(k) plans is $8,000, for example, up from $7,500 in 2025.
Some 403(b) plans, for example, allow employees who have been with the same company for at least 15 years to increase their contribution limit before turning 50.
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Catch-up contribution limits for 2026
Retirement plans have different catch-up limits, so it's important to see which apply to you. In addition, thanks to provisions in the SECURE 2.0 Act, workers age 60 to 63 can take advantage of special "super" catch-up contributions to 401(k)s and several other employer-backed retirement plans.
2026 catch-up contribution limits
| Retirement plan | 2026 contribution limit | 2026 catch-up contribution (age 50+) | 2026 "super" catch-up contribution (age 60-63) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 401(k), 403(b), 457(b) | $24,500.00 | $8,000.00 | $11,250 |
| Traditional and Roth IRA | $7,500.00 | $1,100.00 | N/A |
| SIMPLE IRA | $17,000.00 | $4,000.00 | $5,250 |
Starting in 2026, workers age 50 and older who earned more than $150,000 the previous year (adjusted for inflation) can only make catch-up contributions to a Roth account.
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FAQs
What are catch-up contributions?
There are dollar limits to how much you can contribute to an IRA, 401(k) or other retirement plan each year. Catch-up contributions enable workers age 50 and older to put more of their income toward retirement. The amount of the increase varies each year and depends on the type of account.
What is the benefit of catch-up contributions?
Catch-up contributions can help balance years you may not have saved enough for retirement. You're also further decreasing your taxable income, which helps at tax time.
What are "super" catch-up contributions?
Thanks to provisions in the SECURE 2.0 Act, workers age 60 to 63 can contribute even more to a 401(k), IRA or other employer-backed retirement plans.
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