2026 Retirement Contribution Limits: What Changed and What You Should Do Now

Every year, the IRS makes adjustments to retirement account limits. Some years, they barely move. Other years, like 2026, they give you more room to build wealth.

If you’re serious about winning with money and investing consistently for retirement, these changes matter as they might mean your Baby Step 4 calculations could and should be adjusted. Along with the IRS adjustments, your employer may be adjusting your salary to start the year, and that also necessitates a review of what and where you should be saving money towards retirement.

Let’s break them down in plain language.

2026 IRA and Roth IRA Contribution Limits

For 2026, the IRA and Roth IRA contribution limit increases to $7,500. That’s up from $7,000 last year.

If you’re age 50 or older, the catch-up contribution also increases, from $1,000 to $1,100, bringing your total to $8,600.

This is a big deal for disciplined investors. But there’s a catch.

If you’re contributing monthly, weekly, or biweekly, you may need to adjust your automatic deposits to actually hit the new limit. Otherwise, you’ll leave money on the table.

This is one of those “set it and forget it” moments that deserves a second look.

Roth IRA Income Limits for 2026

Roth IRAs are a favorite for a reason. You pay taxes now, then your money grows and comes out tax-free in retirement. That’s a win.

But Roth IRAs come with income limits.

Here’s how they break down:

Full Roth IRA Contributions

• Single filers: Less than $150,000

• Married filing jointly: Less than $236,000

  
  

Partial Roth IRA Contributions

• Single filers: $150,000 to less than $165,000

• Married filing jointly: $236,000 to less than $246,000

  
  

No Roth IRA Eligibility

• Single filers: $165,000 or more

• Married filing jointly: $246,000 or more

  
  

If you’re over the limit, don’t panic. You still have options, such as the backdoor Roth IRA. Make sure to talk to your Financial Advisor about your eligibility to consider a backdoor Roth.

Traditional IRA Deduction Limits for 2026

Even if you can’t contribute to a Roth IRA, you may still be able to deduct a traditional IRA contribution. The rules depend on whether you or your spouse are covered by a retirement plan at work.

If You ARE Covered by a Retirement Plan at Work

Single filers

• $81,000 or less: Full deduction

• $81,000 to less than $91,000: Partial deduction

• $91,000 or more: No deduction

  
  

Married filing jointly

• $129,000 or less: Full deduction

• $129,000 to less than $149,000: Partial deduction

• $149,000 or more: No deduction

  
  

Married filing separately

• Less than $10,000: Partial deduction

• $10,000 or more: No deduction

  
  

If You Are NOT Covered by a Retirement Plan at Work

Single, head of household, or qualifying widow(er)

• Any income level: Full deduction

  
  

Married filing jointly

• Spouse not covered at work: Full deduction at any income

• Spouse covered at work:

  • $242,000 or less: Full deduction

  • $242,000 to less than $252,000: Partial deduction

  • $252,000 or more: No deduction

    
    

Married filing separately

• Less than $10,000: Partial deduction

• $10,000 or more: No deduction

  
  

(Source: Internal Revenue Service, November 13, 2025)

Don’t Forget Your Workplace Retirement Accounts

IRAs are important, but Dave Ramsey teaches that your best wealth-building tool is consistent investing over time, especially inside tax-advantaged accounts.

Here’s what changed for 2026:

• 401(k) contribution limit: $24,500 (up from $23,500)

• Age 50+ catch-up: $8,000 (total $32,500)

  
  

Super Catch-Up (Ages 60–63)

If your plan allows it, the catch-up jumps to $11,250, allowing total contributions of $35,750.

The maximum total 401(k) amount, including employer match and after-tax contributions (what is called the Mega Back Door Roth) if your plan allows them, is $72,000.

SIMPLE IRA Limits

• Contribution limit: $17,000

• Age 50+ catch-up: $4,000

  
  

The Real Takeaway

Limits going up don’t automatically grow your wealth. Intentional action does.

Now is the time to:

• Review your monthly, weekly or biweekly contributions

• Make sure you’re on track to max out when possible

• Confirm you’re using the correct account for your situation

  
  

At Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers, we believe in simple, proven principles: live on less than you make, stay out of debt, and invest consistently for the long term, as taught by God, grandma, and our friend Dave Ramsey.

If you’re not sure how these new limits fit into your plan, that’s precisely the kind of question your Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers Financial Advisor will help you answer.