401(k) deadlines for 2026 are approaching. Learn the key dates for employee and employer contributions, and how EP Wealth can help you navigate your retirement strategy.

401(k) Deadlines for 2026

It’s helpful to consider important dates that may impact your retirement plan. Here, we outline 401(k) contribution deadlines for participants and employers to help guide your 2026 retirement plan.

Your 401(k) is just one piece of the retirement planning puzzle. EP Wealth Advisors can assist you in creating smart investing and savings solutions for every age and stage of life.

2026 401(k) Contribution Deadlines for Participants

For most 401(k) plans, employee salary deferrals for the 2026 tax year must be made by December 31, 2026. The IRS elective deferral limit for 2026 is $24,500 for participants under age 50.

Participants who are age 50 or older may also be eligible to make catch-up contributions of up to $8,000, if permitted by their plan, as long as those contributions are made by the same December 31 deadline.

For self-employed individuals using a Solo 401(k), contribution deadlines depend on the business structure and the type of contribution. Employee deferrals must be elected by year-end, though contributions themselves may generally be deposited by the tax-filing deadline, including extensions. Employer profit-sharing contributions may be allowed up to the business or personal tax-filing deadline for the following year, including extensions.

Because plan rules and deadlines can vary, it’s a good idea to review your specific situation with your EP Wealth retirement planning advisor to ensure your contributions are correctly timed.

2026 401(k) Contribution Deadlines for Employers

Generally, employer 401(k) contributions (such as match and profit-sharing) for the 2026 plan year are deductible on the employer’s 2026 tax return if they are deposited by the due date of that return, including extensions. For a calendar-year business, that usually means employer contributions for 2026 can be made up to the 2026 filing deadline in 2027 (for many corporations, that’s around April 15, 2027, or October 15, 2027, with an extension).

What is the deadline to establish a new 401(k)?

If you want to establish a new traditional 401(k) for the 2026 tax year and allow employees to make salary deferrals for 2026, the plan must generally be adopted by December 31, 2026 for a calendar-year employer.

Under the SECURE and SECURE 2.0 Acts, businesses may still adopt a new 401(k) plan after year-end—up to their 2026 business tax-filing deadline, including extensions—and make deductible employer contributions (such as profit-sharing) for 2026.

For solo 401(k)s, SECURE 2.0 provides certain sole proprietors an extended first-year option: in some situations, they may establish a plan by their 2026 personal tax-filing deadline (generally April 15, 2027, without extensions) and still make employer contributions for 2026. Employee salary deferrals, however, must still be tied to compensation earned and elections made during 2026.

Because deadlines vary by business structure and tax calendar, it’s best to confirm timing with your EP Wealth advisor and your tax professional.

Guidance for Your Broader Retirement Planning Needs

At EP Wealth, we know that your 401(k) is just one part of your larger retirement strategy. And no two retirement plans are alike. That is why we provide customized investment and savings solutions to help you make choices aligned with your long-term financial goals. Call or connect online to reach an advisor near you.

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