401(k) Calculator 2026
$24,500 elective deferral, employer match, and SECURE 2.0 super catch-up
Last updated: November 2025 · Source: IRS Notice 2025-67
Personal Information
$4,500.00 per year
of your contribution
of salary
Used to determine if your 2026 catch-up must be Roth (SECURE 2.0 trigger: >$145,000)
401(k) Growth Projection
Retirement Breakdown
Maximize Your 401(k)
Always contribute enough to get the full employer match, it's free money. The 2026 employee elective deferral limit is $24,500 ($32,500 if 50+, $35,750 for ages 60-63 under the SECURE 2.0 super catch-up). Increase contributions when you get raises, consistency and time in market matter more than perfect timing.
2026 IRS Contribution Limits and SECURE 2.0 Super Catch-Up
2026 Contribution Limits
Per IRS Notice 2025-67, the 2026 employee elective deferral limit is $24,500 (up from $23,500 in 2025). Workers 50+ may add an $8,000 catch-up for a total of $32,500. Workers ages 60-63 use the SECURE 2.0 super catch-up of $11,250 instead (replacing the standard $8,000), for a total of $35,750. The combined employee + employer 415(c) limit is $72,000 ($80,000 with catch-up, $83,250 with super catch-up). Traditional 401(k) contributions are pre-tax, a $24,500 contribution at the 24% federal bracket saves $5,880 in federal taxes that year.
SECURE 2.0 Roth Catch-Up Rule (New for 2026)
Starting in tax year 2026, employees whose prior-year W-2 Box 3 wages from the same employer exceeded $145,000 must make any 401(k) catch-up contribution on a Roth basis only. (The IRS final regulations set this trigger at $145,000 to align with the FICA wage cap; the statute originally referenced $145,000 indexed.) The base $24,500 elective deferral is unaffected and can still be made pre-tax. The catch-up portion ($8,000 standard or $11,250 super) for affected employees flows into the Roth bucket and grows tax-free.
How Employer Matching Works
Many employers match a portion of your contributions, the most common formula is 50 cents per dollar on the first 6% of salary. If you earn $80,000 and contribute 6% ($4,800), your employer adds $2,400. That is an instant 50% return on your contributed dollars before any market gains. Some employers offer dollar-for-dollar matches or tiered formulas. Employer contributions may vest over time, a 3-year graded vesting schedule, for example, means you own 33% after year one, 67% after year two, and 100% after year three. Always contribute at least enough to capture the full match.
Traditional vs. Roth 401(k)
A traditional 401(k) uses pre-tax dollars, your contributions reduce your taxable income today, but withdrawals in retirement are taxed as ordinary income. A Roth 401(k) uses after-tax dollars, there is no upfront tax break, but qualified withdrawals in retirement are completely tax-free. Choose traditional if you expect to be in a lower tax bracket in retirement; choose Roth if you expect the same or higher bracket. Many financial planners recommend splitting contributions between both for tax diversification.
Early Withdrawal Penalties
Withdrawing from a 401(k) before age 59½ generally triggers a 10% early withdrawal penalty plus ordinary income tax on the distribution. Exceptions include the Rule of 55 (penalty-free withdrawals if you leave your job at age 55 or later), certain hardship withdrawals, and Substantially Equal Periodic Payments (SEPP/72(t)). Loans from your 401(k) are another option, most plans allow you to borrow up to 50% of your vested balance or $50,000, whichever is less, and repay with interest over five years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 401(k) contribution limit for 2026?
Per IRS Notice 2025-67, the 2026 elective deferral limit is $24,500. Workers 50+ add an $8,000 catch-up for $32,500 total. Workers ages 60-63 use the SECURE 2.0 super catch-up of $11,250 instead, for $35,750 total. Combined 415(c) employee + employer cap is $72,000 ($80,000 with catch-up; $83,250 with super catch-up).
How does the super catch-up at ages 60-63 work?
SECURE 2.0 §109 lets workers ages 60, 61, 62, and 63 contribute an enhanced catch-up of $11,250 in 2026. This REPLACES the standard $8,000 50+ catch-up, it does not stack. At age 64 the catch-up drops back to $8,000.
Will I have to make catch-up contributions as Roth in 2026?
Yes if your prior-year (2025) W-2 Box 3 wages from this employer exceeded $145,000. SECURE 2.0 §603 requires high-earner 50+ catch-up to be Roth-only starting 2026. The base $24,500 elective deferral is unaffected.
How much should I contribute to my 401(k)?
At minimum, contribute enough to get the full employer match, otherwise you leave free money on the table. Beyond that, aim for 10–15% of gross salary for a comfortable retirement.
Traditional or Roth 401(k)?
Traditional reduces taxes now and is taxed at withdrawal; Roth is after-tax with tax-free qualified withdrawals. Choose Roth if you expect your retirement tax bracket to be the same or higher than today.
Can I contribute to both a 401(k) and an IRA?
Yes, separate limits. In 2026 you can max your 401(k) at $24,500 and also contribute up to $7,500 to an IRA ($8,600 if 50+). Traditional IRA deductibility may phase out if you are covered by a workplace plan and your AGI exceeds $81,000 single / $129,000 MFJ.
What happens to my 401(k) if I leave my job?
Your balance stays yours. Leave it in the former employer's plan, roll it into the new employer's 401(k), roll it into a Traditional IRA, or cash it out (cashing out triggers income tax + 10% early withdrawal penalty under 59½).