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URLhttps://smartasset.com/retirement/maximum-401k-contributions
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Meta TitleComprehensive Guide to 401(k) Contribution Limits for 2026
Meta DescriptionThe 401(k) contribution limit for 2026 is $24,500. Those 50 and older can make an additional catch-up contribution of $8,000. Here's what you need to know.
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Contributing to your 401(k) is a great way to prepare for retirement , allowing for tax-deferred growth and, in some cases, employer-matching contributions. If you want to boost your savings, you might even contribute the maximum to the account. For 2026, the 401(k) annual contribution limit is $24,500, up from $23,500 in 2025. For employees over 50, there are also catch-up contributions. The total catch-up contribution allowed in 2026 is $8,000, up from $7,500 in 2025, unless you’re aged 60-63 then you can contribute up to $11,250 in catch-up contributions. Do you have retirement planning questions? Speak with a financial advisor today . What Is the 401(k) Contribution Limit for 2026? A 401(k) is a common type of retirement account that’s available through an employer. For the most part, these accounts are funded with pre-tax dollars. As a result, you typically won’t pay taxes on that money until you withdraw it in retirement. These accounts also come in a Roth variation, which is the opposite of the aforementioned setup. More specifically, a Roth 401(k)  allows you to avoid taxes in retirement by paying for them upfront. The IRS imposes a cap on how much you can contribute to your 401(k) on an annual basis. This is called the 401(k) contribution limit. Here are the rules for 2024 and 2023: 401(k) Contribution Limits: 2025 vs. 2026 Type of Contribution 2025 Limit 2026 Limit Standard 401(k) contributions $23,500 $24,500 Catch-up contributions (over age 50) $7,500 $8,000 ($11,250 if aged 60 – 63) SIMPLE 401(k) contributions $16,500 $17,000 As the table above illustrates, the 2026 IRS limit for employee 401(k) contributions jumped up $1,000 from the 2025 mark of $23,500. Contribution limits tend to increase during years when inflation rates also climb. This has been the case since 2009, as the rate has either increased or stayed put each year since then. The catch-up contributions listed in the table only apply to employees who are 50 or older. For these individuals, the IRS permits an extra $7,500 in contributions each year. In turn, anyone who’s at least 50 years old and enrolled in a 401(k) can contribute as much as $32,500 to their 401(k) in 2026. This number goes up to $35,750 for those aged 60-63. Although 401(k)s are one of the most popular retirement accounts available today, the contribution limits above also apply to other retirement plans. In fact, 403(b)s, most 457 plans and the federal Thrift Savings Plan also adopt these stipulations. Contribution Limits for Employer Matching and Highly Compensated Employees (HCEs) Some employers will match contributions to a 401(k) account , up to a certain point. For instance, your employer may match 50% of your contributions up to 5% of your total salary. These matching contributions don’t factor into the $24,500 standard contribution limit or $8,000 catch-up contribution limit, though. However, there is an overall limit for matching contributions. In 2026, the total amount you can contribute to your 401(k), including matching contributions, is $72,000. This is again up from $70,000 in 2025. Your contributions also can’t exceed 100% of your total salary. The IRS has a specific tax status called “highly compensated employee,” or HCE. According to the IRS website, the 2026 requirements for an HCE are as follows: Over the previous year, the employee earned $160,000 or more OR The employee owns more than 5% of the interest in the business at any point during the current or preceding year, regardless of compensation While there are no explicit differences in the way the IRS limits the 401(k) contributions of HCEs, the 401(k) plan they utilize must meet some standards. The IRS determines this by testing the plan to ensure that it does not favor HCEs in any way. Should this process uncover that the plan is, in fact, treating HCEs and non-HCEs differently, there may be limits placed on the contributions of those HCEs. Should You Max Out Your 401(k) Contributions? If you have the means, contributing the full amount to your 401(k) could have major benefits. Some experts, though, would urge you to think about filling other needs before you max out your 401(k). For starters, certain non-retirement needs may come first. These might include paying off high-interest debts or loans, stocking your emergency fund accounts , maintaining solid health insurance and investing in long-term care insurance if you’re over 50. There are also other options for saving for retirement . Perhaps the most notable partner of a 401(k) is the individual retirement account or IRA. So if you want to contribute more than the 401(k) limit allows you to, consider opening an IRA too. The 2026 IRA contribution limit is $7,500, up from $7,000 in 2025. The catch-up contribution limit is $1,100, up from $1,000 last year. A Roth IRA  might be a particularly good destination for your extra retirement funds. Since a Roth account offers tax-free growth and distributions, it might be a good complement to your tax-deferred 401(k). Note that even if you do favor an IRA, you should still contribute enough to your 401(k) to secure any employer matching perks. Tax and Investment Benefits of a 401(k) The most notable benefit of a 401(k) is that all contributions are tax-deferred. Your plan is funded directly from your paycheck, with the money coming out before it’s subject to income taxes. By reducing your taxable income, you’re essentially taking a tax deduction, for now. Furthermore, because less of your paycheck is going towards taxes, you’re able to contribute more to your retirement funds. With a 401(k), you’ll have a choice of investing in multiple types of investments. These often include some combination of mutual funds,  exchange-traded funds (ETFs) , index funds, bond funds and various market capitalization funds. Many 401(k) plans provide access to investments called  target-date funds , which automatically rebalance your portfolio to reduce riskiness as you approach your target retirement age. Bottom Line The 401(k) contribution limit for 2026 is $24,500. Workers 50 and older gain access to an additional catch-up contribution limit of $8,000, so they can contribute up to $32,500 in 2026. Be sure to take advantage of your company’s matching program as well. Note that your employer’s matching contributions don’t count toward the caps above. Tips for Managing Your Retirement Savings Saving for retirement is much easier said than done, but a financial advisor can help you build a plan. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now . If you are taking advantage of employer 401(k) matching,  SmartAsset’s 401(k) calculator  can help you figure out how much you will have based on your annual contribution and your employer’s matches. Photo credits: ©iStock.com/AzmanL, ©iStock.com/DNY59, ©iStock.com/RossHelen
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If you want to boost your savings, you might even contribute the maximum to the account. For 2026, the 401(k) annual contribution limit is \$24,500, up from \$23,500 in 2025. For employees over 50, there are also catch-up contributions. The total catch-up contribution allowed in 2026 is \$8,000, up from \$7,500 in 2025, unless you’re aged 60-63 then you can contribute up to \$11,250 in catch-up contributions. **Do you have retirement planning questions? [Speak with a financial advisor today](https://smartasset.com/retirement/find-a-financial-planner?utm_source=smartasset&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=sma__falc_relevant&utm_content=maximum401kcontributions).** ## **What Is the 401(k) Contribution Limit for 2026?** A [401(k)](https://smartasset.com/retirement/what-is-a-401k) is a common type of retirement account that’s available through an employer. For the most part, these accounts are funded with pre-tax dollars. As a result, you typically won’t pay taxes on that money until you withdraw it in retirement. These accounts also come in a Roth variation, which is the opposite of the aforementioned setup. More specifically, a [Roth 401(k)](https://smartasset.com/retirement/what-is-a-roth-401k) allows you to avoid taxes in retirement by paying for them upfront. The IRS imposes a cap on how much you can contribute to your 401(k) on an annual basis. This is called the 401(k) contribution limit. Here are the rules for 2024 and 2023: | 401(k) Contribution Limits: 2025 vs. 2026 | | | |---|---|---| | **Type of Contribution** | **2025 Limit** | **2026 Limit** | | Standard 401(k) contributions | \$23,500 | \$24,500 | | Catch-up contributions (over age 50) | \$7,500 | \$8,000 (\$11,250 if aged 60 – 63) | | SIMPLE 401(k) contributions | \$16,500 | \$17,000 | As the table above illustrates, the 2026 IRS limit for employee 401(k) contributions jumped up \$1,000 from the 2025 mark of \$23,500. Contribution limits tend to increase during years when inflation rates also climb. This has been the case since 2009, as the rate has either increased or stayed put each year since then. The catch-up contributions listed in the table only apply to employees who are 50 or older. For these individuals, the IRS permits an extra \$7,500 in contributions each year. In turn, anyone who’s at least 50 years old and enrolled in a 401(k) can contribute as much as \$32,500 to their 401(k) in 2026. This number goes up to \$35,750 for those aged 60-63. Although 401(k)s are one of the most popular [retirement](https://smartasset.com/retirement/retirement-calculator) accounts available today, the contribution limits above also apply to other retirement plans. In fact, 403(b)s, most 457 plans and the federal Thrift Savings Plan also adopt these stipulations. **Next Steps:** Planning for retirement can be overwhelming. We recommend speaking with a financial advisor. This free tool will match you with vetted advisors who serve your area. Here's how it works: - [Answer a few easy questions](https://smartasset.com/retirement/find-a-financial-planner?utm_source=smartasset&utm_campaign=zipcode&utm_content=sa-retirement-bl-maximum401), so we can find a match. - Our tool matches you with vetted fiduciary advisors who can help you on the path toward achieving your financial goals. It only takes a few minutes. - Check out the advisors' profiles, have an introductory call on the phone or introduction in person, and choose who to work with. **Enter your ZIP code to find your matches:** Find Your Advisor ## **Contribution Limits for Employer Matching and Highly Compensated Employees (HCEs)** Some employers will [match contributions to a 401(k) account](https://smartasset.com/retirement/how-does-401k-match-work), up to a certain point. For instance, your employer may match 50% of your contributions up to 5% of your total salary. These matching contributions don’t factor into the \$24,500 standard contribution limit or \$8,000 catch-up contribution limit, though. However, there is an overall limit for matching contributions. In 2026, the total amount you can contribute to your 401(k), including matching contributions, is \$72,000. This is again up from \$70,000 in 2025. Your contributions also can’t exceed 100% of your total salary. The IRS has a specific tax status called “highly compensated employee,” or HCE. According to the IRS website, the 2026 requirements for an HCE are as follows: - Over the previous year, the employee earned \$160,000 or more OR - The employee owns more than 5% of the interest in the business at any point during the current or preceding year, regardless of compensation While there are no explicit differences in the way the IRS limits the [401(k)](https://smartasset.com/retirement/401k-calculator) contributions of HCEs, the 401(k) plan they utilize must meet some standards. The IRS determines this by testing the plan to ensure that it does not favor HCEs in any way. Should this process uncover that the plan is, in fact, treating HCEs and non-HCEs differently, there may be limits placed on the contributions of those HCEs. ## **Should You Max Out Your 401(k) Contributions?** ![SmartAsset: 401(k) Contribution Limits for 2023](https://smartasset.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/08/close-up-of-several-401k-statements-with-ballpoint-pen-on-top-picture-id844175582.jpg) If you have the means, [contributing the full amount to your 401(k)](https://smartasset.com/retirement/how-much-should-you-contribute-to-your-401k) could have major benefits. Some experts, though, would urge you to think about filling other needs before you max out your 401(k). For starters, certain non-retirement needs may come first. These might include paying off high-interest debts or loans, stocking your [emergency fund accounts](https://smartasset.com/personal-finance/how-much-do-you-really-need-to-save-for-emergencies-2), maintaining solid health insurance and investing in long-term care insurance if you’re over 50. There are also other options for [saving for retirement](https://smartasset.com/retirement/retirement-calculator). Perhaps the most notable partner of a 401(k) is the individual retirement account or IRA. So if you want to contribute more than the 401(k) limit allows you to, consider opening an IRA too. The 2026 IRA contribution limit is \$7,500, up from \$7,000 in 2025. The catch-up contribution limit is \$1,100, up from \$1,000 last year. A [Roth IRA](https://smartasset.com/retirement/roth-vs-traditional-iras) might be a particularly good destination for your extra retirement funds. Since a Roth account offers tax-free growth and distributions, it might be a good complement to your tax-deferred 401(k). Note that even if you do favor an IRA, you should still contribute enough to your 401(k) to secure any employer matching perks. ## **Tax and Investment Benefits of a 401(k)** The most notable benefit of a 401(k) is that all contributions are tax-deferred. Your plan is funded directly from your paycheck, with the money coming out before it’s subject to income taxes. By reducing your taxable income, you’re essentially taking a tax deduction, for now. Furthermore, because less of your paycheck is going towards taxes, you’re able to contribute more to your retirement funds. With a 401(k), you’ll have a choice of investing in multiple types of investments. These often include some combination of mutual funds, [exchange-traded funds (ETFs)](https://smartasset.com/investing/what-are-exchange-traded-funds-etfs), index funds, [bond funds](https://smartasset.com/investing/bond-funds) and various market capitalization funds. Many 401(k) plans provide access to investments called [target-date funds](https://smartasset.com/retirement/target-date-funds-what-you-need-to-know), which automatically rebalance your portfolio to reduce riskiness as you approach your target retirement age. ## **Bottom Line** ![SmartAsset: 401(k) Contribution Limits for 2023](https://smartasset.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/08/senior-couple-with-consultant-at-the-office-picture-id1141977907-1.jpg) The 401(k) contribution limit for 2026 is \$24,500. Workers 50 and older gain access to an additional catch-up contribution limit of \$8,000, so they can contribute up to \$32,500 in 2026. Be sure to take advantage of your company’s matching program as well. Note that your employer’s matching contributions don’t count toward the caps above. ## **Tips for Managing Your Retirement Savings** - Saving for retirement is much easier said than done, but a financial advisor can help you build a plan. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. [SmartAsset’s free tool](https://smartasset.com/retirement/find-a-financial-planner?utm_source=smartasset&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=sma__falc_relevant&utm_content=maximum401kcontributions) matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, [get started now](https://smartasset.com/retirement/find-a-financial-planner?utm_source=smartasset&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=sma__falc_relevant&utm_content=maximum401kcontributions). - If you are taking advantage of employer [401(k)](https://smartasset.com/retirement/401k-calculator) matching, [SmartAsset’s 401(k) calculator](https://smartasset.com/retirement/401k-calculator) can help you figure out how much you will have based on your annual contribution and your employer’s matches. Photo credits: ©iStock.com/AzmanL, ©iStock.com/DNY59, ©iStock.com/RossHelen [Jane Thier](https://smartasset.com/author/jane-thier)Jane Thier writes on a variety of personal finance topics for SmartAsset. Her expertise includes banking and mortgage. Jane is currently studying at Washington University in St. Louis and serves as editor-in-chief of Armour Magazine. Jane aims to receive her Master's Degree in Journalism. Loading Related Articles... ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Recent posts - [![](https://smartasset.com/cds-images/articles/suit.webp)Revealed: Annual List of Top Financial Advisor Firms](https://insights.smartasset.com/topfa?utm_source=smartasset&utm_campaign=sma__falc_content_relatedposts_retire&utm_content=topfa_suit "Revealed: Annual List of Top Financial Advisor Firms") - [![](https://smartasset.com/cds-images/articles/jetski.webp)How to Potentially Reduce RMD Taxes After Age 73](https://insights.smartasset.com/strategies-rmd-tax-after-73?utm_source=smartasset&utm_campaign=sma__falc_content_relatedposts_retire&utm_content=stratrmd73_jetski "How to Potentially Reduce RMD Taxes After Age 73") - [![](https://smartasset.com/cds-images/articles/eric.webp)How Irrevocable Trusts Can Help Eliminate Estate Taxes](https://insights.smartasset.com/sem/how-irrevocable-trusts-can-help-eliminate-estate-taxes?utm_source=smartasset&utm_campaign=sma__falc_content_relatedposts_retire&utm_content=irrevoctrust_eric "How Irrevocable Trusts Can Help Eliminate Estate Taxes") More from SmartAsset - [Compare Financial Advisor Matches Today](https://smartasset.com/retirement/find-a-financial-planner?utm_source=smartasset&utm_campaign=blog_right_rail) - [How to Find and Choose a Financial Advisor](https://smartasset.com/retirement/financial-advisor) - [The Top Financial Advisors in the U.S.](https://smartasset.com/financial-advisor/us-top-financial-advisors) - [How Much Do I Need to Save for Retirement?](https://smartasset.com/retirement/retirement-calculator) - [Mortgage Calculator](https://smartasset.com/mortgage/mortgage-calculator) - [Compare Mortgage Rates](https://smartasset.com/mortgage/mortgage-rates) Categories - [Advisor Resources](https://smartasset.com/advisor-resources) - [Auto](https://smartasset.com/auto) - [Career](https://smartasset.com/career) - [Checking Account](https://smartasset.com/checking-account) - [Credit Cards](https://smartasset.com/credit-cards) - [Credit Score](https://smartasset.com/credit-score) - [Data Studies](https://smartasset.com/data-studies) - [Debt](https://smartasset.com/debt) - [Estate Planning](https://smartasset.com/estate-planning) - [Financial Advisor](https://smartasset.com/financial-advisor) - [Insights](https://smartasset.com/insights) - [Insurance](https://smartasset.com/insurance) - [Investing](https://smartasset.com/investing) - [Life Insurance](https://smartasset.com/life-insurance) - [Mortgage](https://smartasset.com/mortgage) - [Personal Finance](https://smartasset.com/personal-finance) - [Personal Loans](https://smartasset.com/personal-loans) - [Refinance](https://smartasset.com/refinance) - [Retirement](https://smartasset.com/retirement) - [Small Business](https://smartasset.com/small-business) - [Student Loans](https://smartasset.com/student-loans) - [Taxes](https://smartasset.com/taxes) Get in touch [Contact](https://smartasset.com/about#contact) [Careers](https://smartasset.com/careers) SmartAsset [Search](https://smartasset.com/search) [About](https://smartasset.com/about) [SmartReads](https://smartasset.com/blog) [Captivate](https://smartasset.com/captivate) [SmartAsset AMP](https://getamp.smartasset.com/) [Advisor Testimonials](https://get.smartasset.com/advisor-testimonials/) [Press](https://smartasset.com/press) [SmartAdvisorMatch](https://smartadvisormatch.com/) Get Social [Like on Facebook](https://facebook.com/smartasset) [Like on X](https://x.com/@smartasset) [Follow on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/smartasset-com) Legal Stuff [Terms of Service](https://smartasset.com/terms) [Privacy Policy](https://smartasset.com/privacy) [AdChoices](https://optout.aboutads.info/#!/) [GLB Notice](https://smartasset.com/glb-notice) [Online Tracking Opt-Out Guide](https://smartasset.com/privacy#opt_out) SmartAsset Advisors, LLC ("SmartAsset"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Financial Insight Technology, is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment adviser. 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Contributing to your 401(k) is a great way to [prepare for retirement](https://smartasset.com/retirement/retirement-calculator), allowing for tax-deferred growth and, in some cases, employer-matching contributions. If you want to boost your savings, you might even contribute the maximum to the account. For 2026, the 401(k) annual contribution limit is \$24,500, up from \$23,500 in 2025. For employees over 50, there are also catch-up contributions. The total catch-up contribution allowed in 2026 is \$8,000, up from \$7,500 in 2025, unless you’re aged 60-63 then you can contribute up to \$11,250 in catch-up contributions. **Do you have retirement planning questions? [Speak with a financial advisor today](https://smartasset.com/retirement/find-a-financial-planner?utm_source=smartasset&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=sma__falc_relevant&utm_content=maximum401kcontributions).** ## **What Is the 401(k) Contribution Limit for 2026?** A [401(k)](https://smartasset.com/retirement/what-is-a-401k) is a common type of retirement account that’s available through an employer. For the most part, these accounts are funded with pre-tax dollars. As a result, you typically won’t pay taxes on that money until you withdraw it in retirement. These accounts also come in a Roth variation, which is the opposite of the aforementioned setup. More specifically, a [Roth 401(k)](https://smartasset.com/retirement/what-is-a-roth-401k) allows you to avoid taxes in retirement by paying for them upfront. The IRS imposes a cap on how much you can contribute to your 401(k) on an annual basis. This is called the 401(k) contribution limit. Here are the rules for 2024 and 2023: | 401(k) Contribution Limits: 2025 vs. 2026 | | | |---|---|---| | **Type of Contribution** | **2025 Limit** | **2026 Limit** | | Standard 401(k) contributions | \$23,500 | \$24,500 | | Catch-up contributions (over age 50) | \$7,500 | \$8,000 (\$11,250 if aged 60 – 63) | | SIMPLE 401(k) contributions | \$16,500 | \$17,000 | As the table above illustrates, the 2026 IRS limit for employee 401(k) contributions jumped up \$1,000 from the 2025 mark of \$23,500. Contribution limits tend to increase during years when inflation rates also climb. This has been the case since 2009, as the rate has either increased or stayed put each year since then. The catch-up contributions listed in the table only apply to employees who are 50 or older. For these individuals, the IRS permits an extra \$7,500 in contributions each year. In turn, anyone who’s at least 50 years old and enrolled in a 401(k) can contribute as much as \$32,500 to their 401(k) in 2026. This number goes up to \$35,750 for those aged 60-63. Although 401(k)s are one of the most popular [retirement](https://smartasset.com/retirement/retirement-calculator) accounts available today, the contribution limits above also apply to other retirement plans. In fact, 403(b)s, most 457 plans and the federal Thrift Savings Plan also adopt these stipulations. ## **Contribution Limits for Employer Matching and Highly Compensated Employees (HCEs)** Some employers will [match contributions to a 401(k) account](https://smartasset.com/retirement/how-does-401k-match-work), up to a certain point. For instance, your employer may match 50% of your contributions up to 5% of your total salary. These matching contributions don’t factor into the \$24,500 standard contribution limit or \$8,000 catch-up contribution limit, though. However, there is an overall limit for matching contributions. In 2026, the total amount you can contribute to your 401(k), including matching contributions, is \$72,000. This is again up from \$70,000 in 2025. Your contributions also can’t exceed 100% of your total salary. The IRS has a specific tax status called “highly compensated employee,” or HCE. According to the IRS website, the 2026 requirements for an HCE are as follows: - Over the previous year, the employee earned \$160,000 or more OR - The employee owns more than 5% of the interest in the business at any point during the current or preceding year, regardless of compensation While there are no explicit differences in the way the IRS limits the [401(k)](https://smartasset.com/retirement/401k-calculator) contributions of HCEs, the 401(k) plan they utilize must meet some standards. The IRS determines this by testing the plan to ensure that it does not favor HCEs in any way. Should this process uncover that the plan is, in fact, treating HCEs and non-HCEs differently, there may be limits placed on the contributions of those HCEs. ## **Should You Max Out Your 401(k) Contributions?** ![SmartAsset: 401(k) Contribution Limits for 2023](https://smartasset.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/08/close-up-of-several-401k-statements-with-ballpoint-pen-on-top-picture-id844175582.jpg) If you have the means, [contributing the full amount to your 401(k)](https://smartasset.com/retirement/how-much-should-you-contribute-to-your-401k) could have major benefits. Some experts, though, would urge you to think about filling other needs before you max out your 401(k). For starters, certain non-retirement needs may come first. These might include paying off high-interest debts or loans, stocking your [emergency fund accounts](https://smartasset.com/personal-finance/how-much-do-you-really-need-to-save-for-emergencies-2), maintaining solid health insurance and investing in long-term care insurance if you’re over 50. There are also other options for [saving for retirement](https://smartasset.com/retirement/retirement-calculator). Perhaps the most notable partner of a 401(k) is the individual retirement account or IRA. So if you want to contribute more than the 401(k) limit allows you to, consider opening an IRA too. The 2026 IRA contribution limit is \$7,500, up from \$7,000 in 2025. The catch-up contribution limit is \$1,100, up from \$1,000 last year. A [Roth IRA](https://smartasset.com/retirement/roth-vs-traditional-iras) might be a particularly good destination for your extra retirement funds. Since a Roth account offers tax-free growth and distributions, it might be a good complement to your tax-deferred 401(k). Note that even if you do favor an IRA, you should still contribute enough to your 401(k) to secure any employer matching perks. ## **Tax and Investment Benefits of a 401(k)** The most notable benefit of a 401(k) is that all contributions are tax-deferred. Your plan is funded directly from your paycheck, with the money coming out before it’s subject to income taxes. By reducing your taxable income, you’re essentially taking a tax deduction, for now. Furthermore, because less of your paycheck is going towards taxes, you’re able to contribute more to your retirement funds. With a 401(k), you’ll have a choice of investing in multiple types of investments. These often include some combination of mutual funds, [exchange-traded funds (ETFs)](https://smartasset.com/investing/what-are-exchange-traded-funds-etfs), index funds, [bond funds](https://smartasset.com/investing/bond-funds) and various market capitalization funds. Many 401(k) plans provide access to investments called [target-date funds](https://smartasset.com/retirement/target-date-funds-what-you-need-to-know), which automatically rebalance your portfolio to reduce riskiness as you approach your target retirement age. ## **Bottom Line** ![SmartAsset: 401(k) Contribution Limits for 2023](https://smartasset.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/08/senior-couple-with-consultant-at-the-office-picture-id1141977907-1.jpg) The 401(k) contribution limit for 2026 is \$24,500. Workers 50 and older gain access to an additional catch-up contribution limit of \$8,000, so they can contribute up to \$32,500 in 2026. Be sure to take advantage of your company’s matching program as well. Note that your employer’s matching contributions don’t count toward the caps above. ## **Tips for Managing Your Retirement Savings** - Saving for retirement is much easier said than done, but a financial advisor can help you build a plan. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. [SmartAsset’s free tool](https://smartasset.com/retirement/find-a-financial-planner?utm_source=smartasset&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=sma__falc_relevant&utm_content=maximum401kcontributions) matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, [get started now](https://smartasset.com/retirement/find-a-financial-planner?utm_source=smartasset&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=sma__falc_relevant&utm_content=maximum401kcontributions). - If you are taking advantage of employer [401(k)](https://smartasset.com/retirement/401k-calculator) matching, [SmartAsset’s 401(k) calculator](https://smartasset.com/retirement/401k-calculator) can help you figure out how much you will have based on your annual contribution and your employer’s matches. Photo credits: ©iStock.com/AzmanL, ©iStock.com/DNY59, ©iStock.com/RossHelen
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