2027 401(k) limit calculator: how much you can save, per paycheck, and your IRA limits
Updated November 13, 2026 · Official IRS figures (IR-2026-136 and Notice 2026-66, November 12, 2026)
The IRS raised the 2027 401(k), 403(b), 457 and TSP limit to $25,500 (+$1,000). Savers 50 and older can put in $34,000, and those turning 60 to 63 in 2027 up to $37,250. The IRA limit stays at $7,500. To max out a 401(k) you need about $981 every two weeks.
Your 2027 contribution limits
2027 retirement contribution limits vs 2026
| Limit | 2026 | 2027 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), TSP employee contributions | $24,500 | $25,500 | +$1,000 |
| Catch-up, age 50+ | $8,000 | $8,500 | +$500 |
| Catch-up, turning 60–63 that year | $11,250 | $11,750 | +$500 |
| Total employee + employer (415(c)) (catch-ups on top) | $72,000 | $75,000 | +$3,000 |
| SIMPLE IRA / SIMPLE 401(k) (most plans) | $17,000 | $17,500 | +$500 |
| SIMPLE catch-up, age 50+ | $4,000 | $4,000 | – |
| SIMPLE catch-up, turning 60–63 | $5,250 | $5,250 | – |
| IRA (traditional + Roth combined) | $7,500 | $7,500 | – |
| IRA catch-up, age 50+ | $1,100 | $1,100 | – |
| Roth catch-up wage threshold (prior-year FICA wages) | $150,000 | $155,000 | +$5,000 |
Some small employers' SIMPLE plans allow $19,100 in 2027 ($18,100 in 2026) with a $3,850 catch-up. A governmental 457(b) has its own limit, so someone with both a 403(b) and a 457(b) can contribute $25,500 to each.
How much to max out, per paycheck
| Your age in 2027 | 2027 limit | Weekly | Every 2 weeks | Twice a month | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 50 | $25,500 | $490 | $981 | $1,063 | $2,125 |
| 50–59 or 64+ | $34,000 | $654 | $1,308 | $1,417 | $2,833 |
| 60–63 (born 1964–1967) | $37,250 | $716 | $1,433 | $1,552 | $3,104 |
The Roth catch-up rule for high earners
Since 2026, workers who earned more than the threshold in the previous year must make their catch-up contributions as Roth (after-tax) money. For 2027 the test is 2026 FICA wages over $155,000 (box 3 of your W-2) from the employer that sponsors the plan. Self-employed people and wages from other employers don't count. If your plan doesn't offer Roth contributions, you can't make catch-ups in it, so ask HR whether a Roth option is coming.
2027 IRA income limits
| Phase-out (modified AGI) | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Roth IRA, single or head of household | $153,000–$168,000 | $158,000–$173,000 |
| Roth IRA, married filing jointly | $242,000–$252,000 | $250,000–$260,000 |
| Traditional IRA deduction, single, covered by a workplace plan | $81,000–$91,000 | $83,000–$93,000 |
| Traditional IRA deduction, married jointly, you are covered | $129,000–$149,000 | $133,000–$153,000 |
| Traditional IRA deduction, married jointly, only your spouse is covered | $242,000–$252,000 | $250,000–$260,000 |
| Married filing separately (Roth and deduction) | $0–$10,000 | $0–$10,000 |
Inside a phase-out range your limit shrinks gradually (rounded up to the next $10, minimum $200). Above it you can still make a non-deductible traditional IRA contribution.
What you can do
- Update your election before January. If you contribute a fixed dollar amount, raise it by $38 a paycheck (every two weeks) to use the extra $1,000. If you contribute a percentage, check it reaches the limit by your last paycheck of 2027.
- Turning 60 to 63? Check that your plan has adopted the $11,750 super catch-up; it is optional for employers.
- Earned over $155,000 in 2026? Expect your catch-ups to be withheld as Roth, which raises your taxable pay a little. See your 2027 tax bracket →
- Lower income? From 2027 the government adds up to $1,000 to your account through the new Saver's Match. Check your Saver's Match →
- High earner whose paychecks grow late in the year? When Social Security withholding stops at the $192,300 cap, send the extra to your 401(k). See when that happens →
Questions people ask
What is the 401(k) contribution limit for 2027?
$25,500, up $1,000 from $24,500 in 2026. The same limit applies to 403(b) plans, governmental 457(b) plans and the federal Thrift Savings Plan. Workers 50 and older can add a $8,500 catch-up, for $34,000 in total.
What is the 401(k) catch-up limit for 2027?
$8,500 if you are 50 or older by December 31, 2027 (up from $8,000). If you turn 60, 61, 62 or 63 in 2027 (born 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967), the higher "super catch-up" is $11,750, for a total of $37,250.
What is the IRA contribution limit for 2027?
$7,500, unchanged from 2026, plus a $1,100 catch-up if you are 50 or older ($8,600). The limit is shared across all your traditional and Roth IRAs.
What are the 2027 Roth IRA income limits?
You can contribute the full amount with modified AGI under $158,000 (single or head of household) or $250,000 (married filing jointly). The amount phases out to zero at $173,000 and $260,000.
Do high earners have to make Roth catch-up contributions in 2027?
Yes, if your 2026 Social Security (FICA) wages from the employer sponsoring the plan were more than $155,000. Your catch-up contributions must then be Roth (after-tax). If the plan has no Roth option, you can't make catch-ups in it. Your regular $25,500 can still be pre-tax.
How much do I need per paycheck to max out my 401(k) in 2027?
$981 per paycheck if you're paid every two weeks (26 paychecks), or $1,063 if you're paid twice a month. With the age-50 catch-up it's $1,308 every two weeks. Enter your salary above to get the percentage to set in your plan.
Does my employer match count toward the $25,500?
No. The $25,500 limit is for your own contributions. Your contributions plus your employer's together are capped at $75,000 for 2027 (up from $72,000), not counting catch-ups.
Sources
- IRS IR-2026-136: 401(k) limit increases to $25,500 for 2027, IRA limit remains $7,500 (Nov 12, 2026)
- IRS Notice 2026-66: 2027 amounts relating to retirement plans and IRAs (PDF)
- IRS Publication 590-A: contributions to IRAs (phase-out rounding rules)
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