Every year the IRS sets limits for all kinds of retirement plans, including 401(k), and the 2026 limits were just released.
401(k) contribution limits for 2026
The 401(k) contribution limit for 2026 is $24,500 for employee salary deferrals, and $72,000 for the combined employee and employer contributions. If you’re age 50 or older, you’re eligible for an additional $8,000 in catch-up contributions. This means those 50 or older will be able to contribute up to $32,500 in 2026. With the Smiths plan, you are able to make post-tax contributions beyond the pretax and Roth contribution limit but less than the combined employee and employer contribution limit to invest even more for retirement. Total contributions cannot exceed your annual compensation at the company that sponsors your plan (Smiths).
Roth 401(k) contribution limits
The Roth 401(k) contribution limits for 2024, 2025, and 2026 are the same as those for traditional 401(k) plans. If you have access to a Roth 401(k) and a traditional 401(k), you can contribute up to the annual maximum across both. In other words, if you’re under 50, you can’t put more than $24,500 total as employee contributions in your 401(k) accounts in 2026, no matter how many accounts you have.
Employees interested in updating their 401k elections should contact Fidelity directly at www.401k.com or by calling them.