The 2026 retirement contribution limits
The 401(k), 403(b), and most 457(b) employee contribution limit for 2026 is $24,500, up $1,000 from $23,500 in 2025. The traditional IRA and Roth IRA contribution limit is $7,500, up $500 from $7,000 in 2025. SIMPLE IRA contributions are capped at $17,500 for employees in 2026.
For workers age 50 and older, the standard catch-up contribution is $7,500 additional for 401(k) plans, bringing the total to $32,000. Workers age 60, 61, 62, or 63 have a new super catch-up limit of $11,250 under SECURE 2.0, for a total of $35,750. Note that high earners (over $145,000 in prior-year wages) must make catch-up contributions as Roth starting in 2026.
The combined employer-plus-employee limit for 401(k) plans is $70,000 in 2026. For self-employed workers using a SEP-IRA, contributions are limited to 25% of net self-employment income or $70,000, whichever is less.
Self-employed options: Solo 401(k) and SEP-IRA
Self-employed workers and small business owners have two main retirement account options that offer significantly higher contribution limits than a standard IRA. A Solo 401(k) allows you to contribute as both employee ($24,500) and employer (up to 25% of net self-employment income), for a combined limit of up to $70,000 in 2026. Workers age 50 and older can add the catch-up amount on top.
A SEP-IRA is simpler to administer and allows contributions of up to 25% of net self-employment income, capped at $70,000. The contribution is fully deductible and reduces your self-employment income for tax purposes. For a freelancer earning $100,000 in net self-employment income, a SEP-IRA contribution of $18,587 (roughly 18.6% after the self-employment tax deduction) can meaningfully reduce taxable income.
The choice between a Solo 401(k) and SEP-IRA depends on your income level, whether you want to make Roth contributions, and how much administrative complexity you are willing to manage. A tax professional can model both options for your specific situation.
Roth IRA income limits in 2026
Not everyone can contribute directly to a Roth IRA. The ability to contribute phases out at a modified adjusted gross income of $150,000 for single filers and $236,000 for married filing jointly in 2026. Above those thresholds, direct Roth IRA contributions are not allowed.
Higher earners who want Roth savings can use a backdoor Roth IRA — making a non-deductible traditional IRA contribution and then converting it to Roth. This strategy remains available in 2026 and is not affected by the income limits on direct Roth contributions.
How RoboTax helps you maximize retirement deductions
Retirement contributions are one of the most powerful ways to reduce your taxable income — but only if you actually make them and track them correctly. RoboTax connects to your financial accounts and can surface whether you are on track to maximize your retirement contributions for the year, so a tax professional can advise you before the contribution deadline.
For self-employed workers, SEP-IRA and Solo 401(k) contributions can be made up to the tax filing deadline (including extensions), giving you until October 2027 to make a 2026 contribution. RoboTax can help you understand your net self-employment income so you know the maximum contribution you are eligible to make.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 401(k) contribution limit for 2026?
$24,500 for employee contributions. With the standard catch-up for age 50+, $32,000. With the super catch-up for ages 60-63, $35,750. The combined employer-plus-employee limit is $70,000.
What is the IRA contribution limit for 2026?
$7,500 for both traditional and Roth IRAs. The catch-up for age 50+ is $1,000 additional, for a total of $8,500. Roth IRA contributions phase out at $150,000 MAGI for single filers.
What is the SEP-IRA limit for 2026?
The lesser of 25% of net self-employment income or $70,000. For a self-employed person earning $100,000 net, the maximum SEP-IRA contribution is approximately $18,587 after accounting for the self-employment tax deduction.
Can I still do a backdoor Roth IRA in 2026?
Yes. The backdoor Roth IRA — making a non-deductible traditional IRA contribution and converting it to Roth — is still available in 2026 and is not affected by the income limits on direct Roth contributions.
Sources and further reading
These resources are included for educational context. RoboTax is not tax, legal, or financial advice, and this content should be reviewed with a qualified tax professional before being used for filing decisions.