Catch-Up Contributions

A practical guide to saving more for retirement in 2026.

If retirement is getting closer, you may be able to contribute above the regular annual limit to certain retirement accounts. These extra deposits—called catch-up contributions—can help you put more of your income to work for the future.

Who may be eligible?

For many workplace plans and IRAs, you can make catch-up contributions if you are age 50 or older by the end of the calendar year. Your workplace plan must allow catch-up contributions, and plan rules can affect how much you may defer. Some 403(b) participants with at least 15 years of service may qualify for an additional special catch-up, subject to separate rules.

2026 catch-up limits at a glance

The figures below show the regular contribution limit plus the maximum catch-up contribution, where applicable. Workplace-plan limits are subject to plan terms and eligibility.

The age 60–63 higher limit applies to eligible participants who turn 60, 61, 62, or 63 during the year. IRA contributions across traditional and Roth IRAs share one annual limit; contributions cannot exceed your taxable compensation.

A Roth rule to know in 2026
If your prior-year wages from the employer sponsoring your plan exceeded $150,000 (the 2026 threshold), catch-up contributions to a plan with a Roth feature generally must be made as Roth contributions. Check with your plan administrator about how the rule applies to your situation and plan.

A few smart next steps

Ask your plan administrator whether your workplace plan offers catch-up contributions and how to enroll.
Review your year-to-date contributions and set a contribution rate that fits your budget.
If you contribute to multiple plans or accounts, check how the limits apply across them and keep track of your total.

Know your options. Make a plan.

A little extra saving may help strengthen your retirement strategy. Start by checking your plan’s rules, then consider speaking with a qualified financial or tax professional about what fits your goals.

For general educational purposes only; not financial, investment, or tax advice. Contribution limits and eligibility rules may change and depend on your circumstances and plan. Confirm current rules with the IRS, your plan administrator, or a qualified professional.

Official IRS sources

Catch-up contributions: irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-catch-up-contributions

2026 limits: irs.gov/newsroom/401k-limit-increases-to-24500-for-2026-ira-limit-increases-to-7500

Roth catch-up rule: irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-catch-up-contributions