401(k), IRA, and HSA Contribution Limits 2026

IRS inflation adjustments lifted several retirement and health savings limits for 2026. If you are deciding how much to defer from payroll or how much to contribute to an IRA or HSA, these are the planning numbers to use.

2026 contribution limits

401(k), 403(b), governmental 457, and TSP

• Employee deferral limit: $24,500
• Catch-up age 50 and older: $8,000
• Total age 50+ regular limit: $32,500
• Higher SECURE 2.0 catch-up for certain ages 60 to 63 may apply in eligible plans

Traditional IRA

• Annual contribution limit: $7,500
• Catch-up age 50 and older: $1,100
• Total age 50+: $8,600
• Deductibility still depends on income and workplace plan coverage

Roth IRA

• Annual contribution limit: $7,500
• Catch-up age 50 and older: $1,100
• Total age 50+: $8,600
• Contribution eligibility phases out by MAGI

HSA

• Self-only coverage: $4,400
• Family coverage: $8,750
• Catch-up age 55 and older: $1,000

Why these limits matter

Contribution limits are not just technical IRS numbers. They define how much income you can shelter from current tax, how much you can move into tax-free growth, and how much emergency medical savings you can keep in a triple-tax-advantaged account.

A simple prioritization framework

• Capture the full 401(k) employer match first
• Next, compare HSA and IRA tax benefits based on your household needs
• If you still have cash flow, push toward the full 401(k) limit
• Use catch-up space aggressively if you are behind on retirement savings

Common mistakes to avoid

• Forgetting that IRA eligibility rules and Roth phaseouts are separate from the headline limit
• Assuming a big tax refund means you are saving enough for retirement
• Missing the HSA family vs self-only distinction
• Waiting until year-end and running out of cash to max the account

If you want to compare current tax savings with your federal bracket, run the Income Tax Calculator after adjusting your planned contributions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 401(k) contribution limit for 2026? For 2026, the employee deferral limit for a 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457 plan, or TSP is $24,500. If you are age 50 or older, the standard catch-up contribution adds another $8,000, subject to plan rules.

How do catch-up contributions work? Catch-up contributions let older savers put in more than the standard annual limit. In 2026, that means an extra $8,000 for eligible 401(k)-type plans for age 50 and older, an extra $1,100 for IRAs for age 50 and older, and an extra $1,000 for HSAs for age 55 and older.

Do Roth IRA income limits still matter if the IRA contribution limit is $7,500? Yes. The headline IRA limit tells you the maximum annual contribution, but Roth IRA eligibility still phases out at higher MAGI levels. You may have a lower allowed Roth contribution or no direct Roth contribution at all if your income is above the phaseout range.

Can I contribute to both a 401(k) and an IRA in the same year? Yes. Many people do both. The 401(k) limit and the IRA limit are separate, so you can contribute to each if you are eligible, though IRA deductibility or Roth eligibility may still depend on income and workplace plan coverage.

What are the HSA contribution limits for 2026? For 2026, the HSA limit is $4,400 for self-only coverage and $8,750 for family coverage. If you are 55 or older, you can generally contribute an additional $1,000 catch-up amount.