2026 Retirement Limits Are Here - What's Changing?

The IRS has officially released the updated retirement contribution limits for 2026. No seismic shifts, but a few meaningful tweaks that could help you save a bit more for the future.

Let’s break it down…

🏦 Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)

Good news: contribution limits are ticking up.

• 2026 limit: $7,500 (a $500 increase)
• Catch-up (50+): Now $1,100 — total of $8,600

A modest bump, but every bit helps when you're compounding for the long run.

💰 Roth IRAs

Thinking Roth? Here's where income thresholds are headed:

• Single/Head of Household: Phase-out starts at $153,000 and ends at $168,000
• Married Filing Jointly: Range is $242,000 to $252,000
• Married Filing Separately: No change — still $0 to $10,000

More room to contribute for many earners in 2026.

🧑‍💼 Workplace Retirement Plans (401(k), 403(b), 457, etc.)

For those maximizing their employer-sponsored plans:

• New annual limit: $24,500 (up $1,000)
• Catch-up (50+): Add $8,000 more — total of $32,500
• Bonus Catch-up (Ages 60–63): Eligible for $11,250 — bringing the limit to $35,750

That’s a meaningful opportunity to accelerate savings in your 60s.

🛠️ SIMPLE IRAs

SIMPLE account savers also get a boost:

• 2026 limit: $17,000 (up $500)
• Enhanced Secure Act 2.0 limit (for some plans): Up to $18,100

Check with your employer to see if your plan qualifies for the higher limit.

🎁 Other Notables

• Gift Tax Exclusion: Now $19,000 per person
• Estate Tax Exemption:$15 million per person

What This Means for You

These updates aren’t life-changing, but they are part of the small, steady adjustments that can keep your plan on track. A few extra thousand dollars per year in contributions can have a big impact over time — especially when paired with smart planning.

If you’d like to revisit your strategy or confirm what these new limits mean for your situation, we’re just a phone call or email away.