On November 13, 2025, the IRS released the retirement plan contribution limits for 2026.
For many months now we have been talking about the new requirement effective in 2026 that those making more than $145,000 in FICA wages must make any catch-up contributions in 2026 on a Roth basis. We knew, however, that the $145,000 number was subject to a cost-of-living adjustment, but we have all been waiting for the updated number, which we now have. That number is $150,000 – i.e., any catch-up eligible participant who made more than $150,000 in FICA wages in 2025 must make any catch-up contributions in 2026 on a Roth basis. It’s really important for plan administrators to immediately (a) get with the plan’s payroll provider to confirm who is responsible for identifying the individuals who made more than $150,000 in FICA wages in 2025; (b) determine who will (and how) ensure catch-up contributions for those individuals are made on a Roth basis; and (c) work with the plan’s recordkeeper to ensure the applicable procedures and systems are in place for 2026. This is especially important because we have all been talking about the wrong number ($145,000) for so long.
Some of the other newly released 401(k) plan contributions limits for 2026 are:
- Total limit on all plan contributions is $72,000 (up from $70,000);
- 401(k) deferral limit (including Roth) is $24,500 (up from $23,500);
- General catch-up contribution limit (for individuals aged 50 or over) is $8,000 (up from $7,500);
- Increased catch-up contribution limit for those ages 60, 61, 62, or 63 remains at $11,250; and
- Annual compensation limitation is $360,000 (up from $350,000).
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