With new 401(k) contribution limits for 2026, it’s time to update your retirement plan. Learn just how much you may possibly save next year with retirement planning advisors at EP Wealth.

How Much Can I Contribute to a 401(k) in 2026?

As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to review upcoming contribution limit changes for 401(k)s in 2026. Contact a financial advisor at EP Wealth to discuss how these updates will impact your retirement planning objectives.

Employee Contribution Limits: What’s New in 2026?

In 2026, the annual contribution limit for 401(k) and 403(b) plans for employees under 50 will increase from $23,500 to $24,500. While this is a modest increase, every additional dollar counts when building your retirement savings. Contributing the maximum amount can potentially help keep you on track for a secure retirement, especially when combined with employer contributions.

Catch-Up Contributions for Those 50 and Older

Catch-up contributions are designed to help employees age 50 and older grow their retirement savings during the critical years before they stop working.

In 2026, the limit for catch-up contributions for those 50 and over will be $8,000, up from $7,500 in 2025. This allows employees in this age group to contribute up to a total of $32,500 to their 401(k) plans in 2026. This boost is intended to help older workers make up for any missed contributions earlier in their careers.

Higher Catch-Up Contributions for Employees 60-63

Under the SECURE 2.0 Act, employees aged 60 to 63 can take advantage of even higher catch-up contribution limits to further bolster their retirement savings.

In 2026, employees aged 60 to 63 can contribute an additional $11,250. For this age group, the total 401(k) contribution limit for 2026 will be $35,750.

Employer Contributions: How Much Can They Add to Your 401(k)?

In addition to your personal contributions, many employers offer matching contributions as part of their benefits package. For employees under 50, the total combined limit for employer and employee contributions to a 401(k) or 403(b) will increase to $72,000 in 2026, up from $70,000 in 2025. Employees aged 50 and older can contribute up to $80,000, including catch-up contributions.

For employees aged 60 to 63, who are eligible for the higher catch-up limits, the total allowable contribution rises to $83,250 in 2026.

Total Maximum Contribution Limits for 2026

To give you a clear snapshot, here are the contribution limits for 2026:

• Employees under 50: $24,500 personal limit; $72,000 combined employee and employer limit
• Employees 50 and older: $32,500 total with catch-up; $80,000 combined employee and employer limit
• Employees aged 60-63: $35,750 total with enhanced catch-up; $83,250 combined employee and employer limit

Potential Tax Benefits of Maximizing Your 401(k) Contributions

Contributing to a 401(k) doesn’t just help build your retirement nest egg; it also offers potential tax advantages that may possibly be beneficial both now and in the future. By making contributions with pre-tax dollars, you can reduce your taxable income for the year, potentially lowering your tax bracket. This tax-deferral benefit means you’ll only pay taxes on your withdrawals in retirement, when you’re likely to be in a lower tax bracket.

Maximizing your 401(k) contributions each year may potentially result in tax savings over time. Additionally, the investment gains on your 401(k) contributions grow tax-free until you start making withdrawals. Taking full advantage of these tax benefits is a powerful way to manage your retirement strategy and perhaps preserve more of your wealth.

Take advantage of a free, no-obligation financial health assessment—available to those with $500K or more in assets.

DISCLOSURES:

• EP Wealth Advisors (“EPWA”) makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, completeness, or relevance of any information presented. All expressions of option are subject to change without notice.
• Hiring a qualified advisor and/or financial planner does not guarantee investment success and does not ensure that client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance or results. No guaranty or warranty is made that any direct t or implied results of projections being represented here will be met or sustained.
• Information presented is general in nature and should be viewed as a comprehensive analysis of the topics discussed. It is intended to serve as a tool containing general information that should assist you in the development of subsequent discussions. Content does not involve the reding of personalized investment advice or is intended to supplement professions individualized advice.
• The content of this report is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication and cannot and does not accurately forecast future economic, market, or financial conditions; including changes to retirement benefits, social security, and/or Medicare. For this reason, any subsequent changes, and/or that occur after the publication of this presentation may cause the analysis encompassed herein to become inaccurate. Any references to future market or economic forecasts are based on hypothetical assumptions that may never come to pass.
• Please consult with a CPA, tax professional, and/or attorney regarding your specific situation before implementing any of the strategies referenced directly or indirectly herein.
• The free financial health assessment referenced here is limited to, and can only be provided to, individuals with $500,000 or more in investable assets. The health assessment is limited to an initial call or meeting with an Investment Adviser Representative (IAR) of EP Wealth to discuss and assess your current financial situation and a subsequent follow-up meeting or call to share our thoughts. No additional services will be provided. EP Wealth Advisors’ obligation is limited to extending an offer to provide these services. It is the responsibility of the individual requesting the free health assessment to accept the service offered. No guarantee or warranty can be made that any of the information discussed or relayed in these meetings will be suitable or relevant. The free financial health assessment is limited in nature and is not intended to be regarded as an attempt to provide comprehensive financial advice.
• The need for a financial advisor or financial planner and/or the type of services required are specific to the uniqueness of each individual’s circumstances. There is no guarantee or warrantee that the services offered by EP Wealth Advisors will satisfy your financial service requirements. Services offered by other advisors may align more to your specific needs.
• All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. Different types of investments and investment strategies involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that any specific investment strategy will be suitable or profitable for a client’s portfolio. The risk of loss can never be eliminated even if working with a professional.
• EP Wealth Advisors, LLC. Is registered as an investment advisor with the SEC and only transacts business in state in where is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the commission, nor does it indicate that the advisor has attained a particular level of sill or ability.
• Laws vary by state. The information presented herein is intended to be general in nature and may not apply to your state of domicile. Please consult local legal counsel to determine the best practices for your state.