Through 2026 (IRS Notice 2025-67) · Page updated October 12, 2026
Every dollar you put in a 401(k) runs into IRS ceilings that move most years with inflation. Here's the full history of the limits that matter: what you can contribute, what catch-up savers get, and the cap on everything combined.
| Year | Elective deferral | Catch-up (50+) | Super catch-up (60–63) | Annual additions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $24,500 | $8,000 | $11,250 | $72,000 |
| 2025 | $23,500 | $7,500 | $11,250 | $70,000 |
| 2024 | $23,000 | $7,500 | — | $69,000 |
| 2023 | $22,500 | $7,500 | — | $66,000 |
| 2022 | $20,500 | $6,500 | — | $61,000 |
| 2021 | $19,500 | $6,500 | — | $58,000 |
| 2020 | $19,500 | $6,500 | — | $57,000 |
| 2019 | $19,000 | $6,000 | — | $56,000 |
| 2018 | $18,500 | $6,000 | — | $55,000 |
| 2017 | $18,000 | $6,000 | — | $54,000 |
| 2016 | $18,000 | $6,000 | — | $53,000 |
| 2015 | $18,000 | $6,000 | — | $53,000 |
The limits are announced each October in the IRS cost-of-living adjustments. For 2026 they came via IRS Notice 2025-67.
Contribution limits are the binding constraint on high savers: once you hit the elective deferral ceiling, extra savings have to go elsewhere (IRA, HSA, taxable). Our 401(k) calculator applies the current-year limits to your projection automatically, so you can see exactly when the cap starts biting.
Sources: IRS cost-of-living adjustment notices and the annual "maximum benefit/contribution limits" tables published from them. This page is for reference only and is not tax advice.
Run the 401(k) calculator with the 2026 limits applied and compare maxing contributions versus your current rate.
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