The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently announced the 2026 cost-of-living adjustments to various benefit and contribution limits applicable to retirement plans. The IRS modestly increased the applicable limits for 2026. The following limits apply to retirement plans in 2026:
- The limit on elective deferrals under 401(k), 403(b) and eligible 457(b) plans increased to $24,500.
- The limit on catch-up contributions by participants aged 50 or older is increased to $8,000. This means that the maximum amount of elective deferral contributions for those participants in 2026 is $32,500.
- The enhanced catch-up contribution limit for those ages 60-63 in 2026 did not change and remains $11,250. This means that the maximum amount of elective deferral contributions for these participants in 2026 is $35,750.
- The Internal Revenue Code (Code) Section 415 annual addition limit is increased to $72,000 for 401(k) and other defined contribution plans, and the annual benefit limit is increased to $290,000 for defined benefit plans.
- The limit on the annual compensation that can be taken into account by qualified plans under Code Section 417 is increased to $360,000.
- The dollar level threshold for becoming a highly compensated employee under Code Section 414(q) remains $160,000 (which, under the look-back rule, applies to HCE determinations in 2027 based on compensation paid in 2026).
- The dollar level threshold for becoming a “key employee” in a top-heavy plan under Code Section 416(i)(1) is increased to $235,000.
- The Roth catch-up wage threshold is increased to $150,000 (which applies to determinations in 2026 based on FICA wages in 2025).
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