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| Meta Title | 401(k) contribution limits 2025 and 2026 | Fidelity |
| Meta Description | Here's how much you can contribute to your 401(k) in 2025 and 2026. |
| Meta Canonical | null |
| Boilerpipe Text | Get to know how much you can save in your 401(k).
Key takeaways
The IRS sets the maximum that you and your employer can contribute to your 401(k) each year.
For tax year 2025, the most you can contribute to a Roth 401(k), a traditional 401(k), or a combination of the two is $23,500. For 2026, this rises to $24,500 for 2026.
Those 50 and older can contribute an additional $7,500 in 2025, and $8,000 in 2026.Â
Those 60 to 63 can contribute an additional $11,250 in 2025 and 2026 in place of the $7,500, if your plan allows.
While you can save quite a lot in a 401(k) every year, you can't contribute an unlimited amount: The IRS sets clear guidelines for 401(k) contribution limits each year that you and your employer must stick to.
401(k) contribution limits for 2025
The 401(k) contribution limit for 2025 is $23,500 for employee salary deferrals, and $70,000 for the combined employee and employer contributions. If you're age 50 to 59 or 64 or older, you're eligible for a catch-up contribution up to an additional $7,500. Those between ages 60 and 63 are eligible to contribute up to $11,250 as a "super" catch-up contribution in lieu of the $7,500, if your plan allows. This means those 50 to 59 or 64 or older are able to contribute up to $31,000 in 2025 and those 60 to 63 are able to contribute up to $34,750 in 2025, if your plan allows. Depending on your plan, you may be 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 eligible compensation at the company that sponsors your plan. Check with your plan sponsor to see what catch-up contributions are available to you.
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 a catch-up contribution and can contribute up to an additional $8,000 in 2026. However, if you're between ages 60 and 63 and your plan allows, you can contribute up to $11,250 as a "super" catch-up contribution in lieu of the standard $8,000. This means if you're age 50 or older you'll be able to contribute up to $32,500 in 2026, and if you're between 60 and 63 and your plan allows, you'll be able to contribute up to $35,750 in 2026. Depending on your plan, you may be 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 eligible compensation at the company that sponsors your plan. Check with your plan sponsor to see what catch-up contributions are available to you.
Roth 401(k) contribution limits
The
Roth 401(k) contribution limits
for 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.
401(k) contribution limits
Pretax and Roth employee contributions
Employee + employer contributions
Catch-up contributions (in addition to the employee and employer limit)
401(k) contribution limit for 2025
$23,500
$70,000
$7,500 (50-59 or 64+), $11,250 (60-63, if your plan allows)
401(k) contribution limit for 2026
$24,500
$72,000
$8,000 (50-59 or 64+), $11,250 (60-63, if your plan allows)
Source: IRS
401(k) contribution limits when you have multiple 401(k) plans at different employers
If you have access to multiple 401(k) plans through different employers, you are still limited to the total employee contribution amount for the year.
For instance, if you have 2 401(k) plans in 2026, you may choose to split your maximum contribution of $24,500 between the plans.
Note: These limits do not affect the amount you can put into an individual retirement account (IRA) each year. You can save the legally allowable maximum in both a 401(k) and an IRA.
After-tax 401(k) contribution limits
If you reach the maximum that you can contribute to your 401(k), you may be able to save more for retirement in your workplace plan through
after-tax contributions
. That means that while your after-tax contributions have the potential to benefit from investment growth while they're in your 401(k) account, you only pay taxes on the growth when you withdraw funds in retirement.
Depending on your plan, you may be able to contribute up to the total employee and employer contribution limit for the year, provided your existing employee and employer contributions do not exceed the limit. For example, if you're under 50 and contributing $24,500 and your employer is contributing $20,000 in 2026, you could contribute up to an additional $27,500 as after-tax contributions to bring your total to $72,000.Â
Keep in mind that not all 401(k) plans allow for these after-tax contributions. If yours doesn't—or you simply want to save even more than after-tax contributions alone allow—there are other strategies to consider, like an
IRA
.
What happens if you contribute too much to your 401(k)?
If you defer more than your 401(k) plan allows, your excess deferrals will be treated as income in the year they are made and taxed a second time upon distribution. Excess deferrals and earnings can be reported on Form 1099-R when you file taxes.
Luckily, most 401(k) plans have infrastructure in place to prevent overcontributions. But if you switch jobs midyear or have access to multiple plans, you may accidentally wind up saving too much in your 401(k). If this happens, you must request that any excess contributions be returned to you by April 15, including any earnings it made while it was in your 401(k) to avoid double taxation.
How much should you contribute to your 401(k)?
It can be hard to figure out
how much to save in your 401(k)
. How are you supposed to know how much money you'll want or need in retirement?
Our guideline is to aim to save at least 15% of your income each year (including any employer contributions) for retirement. That includes any savings in other retirement accounts, like a Roth IRA.
How to maximize your 401(k) contributions
To get the most out of your 401(k), make sure you're:
Contributing as early as you can
Starting to save as soon as you can is one of the keys to a successful retirement. That's because the longer your money is invested, the longer it has to benefit from compound returns—in other words, when your investment returns earn returns of their own.
Taking full advantage of any 401(k) match
A 401(k) match is a special benefit your company puts into your 401(k) based on what you contribute. The formula used to determine 401(k) matches varies by company. Often, this match is 50 cents or $1 for each dollar you contribute. There is also often a cap on the amount your employer will match, such as 6% of your total pay. It's a good idea to contribute at least enough to get your full 401(k) match. Each dollar your company contributes is one that you don't have to.
Working toward saving 15% for retirement
That 15% can seem like a huge amount to save for retirement, particularly when you're just starting out. But remember that 15% also includes any percentage that your employer matches, and you're able to start small and work your way up to contribute more. That might mean opting to increase your 401(k) contribution rate by 1% each year or whenever you get a raise. And if you get a bonus or another unexpected windfall, consider setting aside at least a portion of it for your retirement savings.
Keeping track of your 401(k)s
It may be surprising, but it's not uncommon for people to forget about 401(k) plans from previous jobs. Audit your rĂ©sumĂ© and see if you have any retirement accounts collecting dust. Keeping track of these can help you get the most out of the money you've already saved. If you do find money you'd forgotten about in an old plan,Â
learn more about your options
.
Check out your workplace benefits
For easy access to your workplace benefits with Fidelity, log in to NetBenefits
®
.
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401(k) contribution limits 2025 and 2026 \| Fidelity
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# 401(k) contribution limits for 2025 and 2026
Get to know how much you can save in your 401(k).
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### Key takeaways
- The IRS sets the maximum that you and your employer can contribute to your 401(k) each year.
- For tax year 2025, the most you can contribute to a Roth 401(k), a traditional 401(k), or a combination of the two is \$23,500. For 2026, this rises to \$24,500 for 2026.
- Those 50 and older can contribute an additional \$7,500 in 2025, and \$8,000 in 2026.
- Those 60 to 63 can contribute an additional \$11,250 in 2025 and 2026 in place of the \$7,500, if your plan allows.
While you can save quite a lot in a 401(k) every year, you can't contribute an unlimited amount: The IRS sets clear guidelines for 401(k) contribution limits each year that you and your employer must stick to.
### 401(k) contribution limits for 2025
The 401(k) contribution limit for 2025 is \$23,500 for employee salary deferrals, and \$70,000 for the combined employee and employer contributions. If you're age 50 to 59 or 64 or older, you're eligible for a catch-up contribution up to an additional \$7,500. Those between ages 60 and 63 are eligible to contribute up to \$11,250 as a "super" catch-up contribution in lieu of the \$7,500, if your plan allows. This means those 50 to 59 or 64 or older are able to contribute up to \$31,000 in 2025 and those 60 to 63 are able to contribute up to \$34,750 in 2025, if your plan allows. Depending on your plan, you may be 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 eligible compensation at the company that sponsors your plan. Check with your plan sponsor to see what catch-up contributions are available to you.
### 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 a catch-up contribution and can contribute up to an additional \$8,000 in 2026. However, if you're between ages 60 and 63 and your plan allows, you can contribute up to \$11,250 as a "super" catch-up contribution in lieu of the standard \$8,000. This means if you're age 50 or older you'll be able to contribute up to \$32,500 in 2026, and if you're between 60 and 63 and your plan allows, you'll be able to contribute up to \$35,750 in 2026. Depending on your plan, you may be 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 eligible compensation at the company that sponsors your plan. Check with your plan sponsor to see what catch-up contributions are available to you.
### Roth 401(k) contribution limits
The [Roth 401(k) contribution limits](https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/roth-401k-contribution-limits) for 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.
### 401(k) contribution limits
| | Pretax and Roth employee contributions | Employee + employer contributions | Catch-up contributions (in addition to the employee and employer limit) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 401(k) contribution limit for 2025 | \$23,500 | \$70,000 | \$7,500 (50-59 or 64+), \$11,250 (60-63, if your plan allows) |
| 401(k) contribution limit for 2026 | \$24,500 | \$72,000 | \$8,000 (50-59 or 64+), \$11,250 (60-63, if your plan allows) |
Source: IRS
### 401(k) contribution limits when you have multiple 401(k) plans at different employers
If you have access to multiple 401(k) plans through different employers, you are still limited to the total employee contribution amount for the year.
For instance, if you have 2 401(k) plans in 2026, you may choose to split your maximum contribution of \$24,500 between the plans.
Note: These limits do not affect the amount you can put into an individual retirement account (IRA) each year. You can save the legally allowable maximum in both a 401(k) and an IRA.
### After-tax 401(k) contribution limits
If you reach the maximum that you can contribute to your 401(k), you may be able to save more for retirement in your workplace plan through [after-tax contributions](https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/retirement/401k-contributions). That means that while your after-tax contributions have the potential to benefit from investment growth while they're in your 401(k) account, you only pay taxes on the growth when you withdraw funds in retirement.
Depending on your plan, you may be able to contribute up to the total employee and employer contribution limit for the year, provided your existing employee and employer contributions do not exceed the limit. For example, if you're under 50 and contributing \$24,500 and your employer is contributing \$20,000 in 2026, you could contribute up to an additional \$27,500 as after-tax contributions to bring your total to \$72,000.
Keep in mind that not all 401(k) plans allow for these after-tax contributions. If yours doesn't—or you simply want to save even more than after-tax contributions alone allow—there are other strategies to consider, like an [IRA](https://www.fidelity.com/building-savings/learn-about-iras/what-is-an-ira).
### What happens if you contribute too much to your 401(k)?
If you defer more than your 401(k) plan allows, your excess deferrals will be treated as income in the year they are made and taxed a second time upon distribution. Excess deferrals and earnings can be reported on Form 1099-R when you file taxes.
Luckily, most 401(k) plans have infrastructure in place to prevent overcontributions. But if you switch jobs midyear or have access to multiple plans, you may accidentally wind up saving too much in your 401(k). If this happens, you must request that any excess contributions be returned to you by April 15, including any earnings it made while it was in your 401(k) to avoid double taxation.
### How much should you contribute to your 401(k)?
It can be hard to figure out [how much to save in your 401(k)](https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/retirement/how-much-money-should-I-save). How are you supposed to know how much money you'll want or need in retirement?
Our guideline is to aim to save at least 15% of your income each year (including any employer contributions) for retirement. That includes any savings in other retirement accounts, like a Roth IRA.
### How to maximize your 401(k) contributions
To get the most out of your 401(k), make sure you're:
1. **Contributing as early as you can**
Starting to save as soon as you can is one of the keys to a successful retirement. That's because the longer your money is invested, the longer it has to benefit from compound returns—in other words, when your investment returns earn returns of their own.
2. **Taking full advantage of any 401(k) match**
A 401(k) match is a special benefit your company puts into your 401(k) based on what you contribute. The formula used to determine 401(k) matches varies by company. Often, this match is 50 cents or \$1 for each dollar you contribute. There is also often a cap on the amount your employer will match, such as 6% of your total pay. It's a good idea to contribute at least enough to get your full 401(k) match. Each dollar your company contributes is one that you don't have to.
3. **Working toward saving 15% for retirement**
That 15% can seem like a huge amount to save for retirement, particularly when you're just starting out. But remember that 15% also includes any percentage that your employer matches, and you're able to start small and work your way up to contribute more. That might mean opting to increase your 401(k) contribution rate by 1% each year or whenever you get a raise. And if you get a bonus or another unexpected windfall, consider setting aside at least a portion of it for your retirement savings.
4. **Keeping track of your 401(k)s**
It may be surprising, but it's not uncommon for people to forget about 401(k) plans from previous jobs. Audit your résumé and see if you have any retirement accounts collecting dust. Keeping track of these can help you get the most out of the money you've already saved. If you do find money you'd forgotten about in an old plan, [learn more about your options](https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/retirement/what-to-do-with-an-old-401k).
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## More to explore
### [Maxed out your 401(k)? Learn about IRAs](https://www.fidelity.com/retirement-ira/overview)
We can help you understand your options, plus potential tax benefits.
### [Retirement roadmap](https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/retirement/retirement-roadmap)
4 key retirement guideposts to help you stay on target.
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- Important Information

Welcome to the Fidelity Assistant\!
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[Important information](https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/401k-contribution-limits)

To get your conversation started, type a question in the entry field or choose from one of the following popular topics and commonly asked questions.
- What is the 401(k) contribution limit?
- How can I transfer my 401k to my existing Roth IRA without exceeding the annual contribution limit?
- How the \$69,000 annual conversion limit for after-tax 401(k) contributions work?
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| Readable Markdown | Get to know how much you can save in your 401(k).

### Key takeaways
- The IRS sets the maximum that you and your employer can contribute to your 401(k) each year.
- For tax year 2025, the most you can contribute to a Roth 401(k), a traditional 401(k), or a combination of the two is \$23,500. For 2026, this rises to \$24,500 for 2026.
- Those 50 and older can contribute an additional \$7,500 in 2025, and \$8,000 in 2026.
- Those 60 to 63 can contribute an additional \$11,250 in 2025 and 2026 in place of the \$7,500, if your plan allows.
While you can save quite a lot in a 401(k) every year, you can't contribute an unlimited amount: The IRS sets clear guidelines for 401(k) contribution limits each year that you and your employer must stick to.
### 401(k) contribution limits for 2025
The 401(k) contribution limit for 2025 is \$23,500 for employee salary deferrals, and \$70,000 for the combined employee and employer contributions. If you're age 50 to 59 or 64 or older, you're eligible for a catch-up contribution up to an additional \$7,500. Those between ages 60 and 63 are eligible to contribute up to \$11,250 as a "super" catch-up contribution in lieu of the \$7,500, if your plan allows. This means those 50 to 59 or 64 or older are able to contribute up to \$31,000 in 2025 and those 60 to 63 are able to contribute up to \$34,750 in 2025, if your plan allows. Depending on your plan, you may be 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 eligible compensation at the company that sponsors your plan. Check with your plan sponsor to see what catch-up contributions are available to you.
### 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 a catch-up contribution and can contribute up to an additional \$8,000 in 2026. However, if you're between ages 60 and 63 and your plan allows, you can contribute up to \$11,250 as a "super" catch-up contribution in lieu of the standard \$8,000. This means if you're age 50 or older you'll be able to contribute up to \$32,500 in 2026, and if you're between 60 and 63 and your plan allows, you'll be able to contribute up to \$35,750 in 2026. Depending on your plan, you may be 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 eligible compensation at the company that sponsors your plan. Check with your plan sponsor to see what catch-up contributions are available to you.
### Roth 401(k) contribution limits
The [Roth 401(k) contribution limits](https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/roth-401k-contribution-limits) for 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.
### 401(k) contribution limits
| | Pretax and Roth employee contributions | Employee + employer contributions | Catch-up contributions (in addition to the employee and employer limit) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 401(k) contribution limit for 2025 | \$23,500 | \$70,000 | \$7,500 (50-59 or 64+), \$11,250 (60-63, if your plan allows) |
| 401(k) contribution limit for 2026 | \$24,500 | \$72,000 | \$8,000 (50-59 or 64+), \$11,250 (60-63, if your plan allows) |
Source: IRS
### 401(k) contribution limits when you have multiple 401(k) plans at different employers
If you have access to multiple 401(k) plans through different employers, you are still limited to the total employee contribution amount for the year.
For instance, if you have 2 401(k) plans in 2026, you may choose to split your maximum contribution of \$24,500 between the plans.
Note: These limits do not affect the amount you can put into an individual retirement account (IRA) each year. You can save the legally allowable maximum in both a 401(k) and an IRA.
### After-tax 401(k) contribution limits
If you reach the maximum that you can contribute to your 401(k), you may be able to save more for retirement in your workplace plan through [after-tax contributions](https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/retirement/401k-contributions). That means that while your after-tax contributions have the potential to benefit from investment growth while they're in your 401(k) account, you only pay taxes on the growth when you withdraw funds in retirement.
Depending on your plan, you may be able to contribute up to the total employee and employer contribution limit for the year, provided your existing employee and employer contributions do not exceed the limit. For example, if you're under 50 and contributing \$24,500 and your employer is contributing \$20,000 in 2026, you could contribute up to an additional \$27,500 as after-tax contributions to bring your total to \$72,000.
Keep in mind that not all 401(k) plans allow for these after-tax contributions. If yours doesn't—or you simply want to save even more than after-tax contributions alone allow—there are other strategies to consider, like an [IRA](https://www.fidelity.com/building-savings/learn-about-iras/what-is-an-ira).
### What happens if you contribute too much to your 401(k)?
If you defer more than your 401(k) plan allows, your excess deferrals will be treated as income in the year they are made and taxed a second time upon distribution. Excess deferrals and earnings can be reported on Form 1099-R when you file taxes.
Luckily, most 401(k) plans have infrastructure in place to prevent overcontributions. But if you switch jobs midyear or have access to multiple plans, you may accidentally wind up saving too much in your 401(k). If this happens, you must request that any excess contributions be returned to you by April 15, including any earnings it made while it was in your 401(k) to avoid double taxation.
### How much should you contribute to your 401(k)?
It can be hard to figure out [how much to save in your 401(k)](https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/retirement/how-much-money-should-I-save). How are you supposed to know how much money you'll want or need in retirement?
Our guideline is to aim to save at least 15% of your income each year (including any employer contributions) for retirement. That includes any savings in other retirement accounts, like a Roth IRA.
### How to maximize your 401(k) contributions
To get the most out of your 401(k), make sure you're:
1. **Contributing as early as you can**
Starting to save as soon as you can is one of the keys to a successful retirement. That's because the longer your money is invested, the longer it has to benefit from compound returns—in other words, when your investment returns earn returns of their own.
2. **Taking full advantage of any 401(k) match**
A 401(k) match is a special benefit your company puts into your 401(k) based on what you contribute. The formula used to determine 401(k) matches varies by company. Often, this match is 50 cents or \$1 for each dollar you contribute. There is also often a cap on the amount your employer will match, such as 6% of your total pay. It's a good idea to contribute at least enough to get your full 401(k) match. Each dollar your company contributes is one that you don't have to.
3. **Working toward saving 15% for retirement**
That 15% can seem like a huge amount to save for retirement, particularly when you're just starting out. But remember that 15% also includes any percentage that your employer matches, and you're able to start small and work your way up to contribute more. That might mean opting to increase your 401(k) contribution rate by 1% each year or whenever you get a raise. And if you get a bonus or another unexpected windfall, consider setting aside at least a portion of it for your retirement savings.
4. **Keeping track of your 401(k)s**
It may be surprising, but it's not uncommon for people to forget about 401(k) plans from previous jobs. Audit your résumé and see if you have any retirement accounts collecting dust. Keeping track of these can help you get the most out of the money you've already saved. If you do find money you'd forgotten about in an old plan, [learn more about your options](https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/retirement/what-to-do-with-an-old-401k).
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