2026 Complete Guide to 401(k) & IRA Annual Contribution Limits
Employee 401(k) limit $23,500, catch-up $7,500, total addition $70,000, IRA $7,000. Full breakdown with phase-out ranges.
Updated June 2026Expert-written guides on 401(k), IRA, Social Security, FIRE, Roth conversion, RMD, and more. All data sourced from IRS and SSA publications.
🧮 Try Our Free Calculators
Employee 401(k) limit $23,500, catch-up $7,500, total addition $70,000, IRA $7,000. Full breakdown with phase-out ranges.
Updated June 20262026 PIA formula with bend points $1,174 and $7,078. Compare claiming at 62, 67, or 70 with break-even analysis.
Updated June 2026SECURE 2.0 changes, Uniform Lifetime Table, calculation examples, and strategies to minimize RMD taxes.
Updated June 2026Multi-year conversion ladders, bracket management, IRMAA considerations, and optimal timing windows.
Updated June 2026Tax implications, income limits, phase-out ranges, and which is better based on your situation.
Updated June 2026Savings rate math, Lean/Regular/Fat FIRE, 4% rule, withdrawal strategies, and healthcare planning.
Updated June 202610% penalty rules, Rule of 55, 72(t) SEPP, hardship exemptions, and 401(k) loan alternatives.
Updated June 2026Trinity Study origins, criticism for early retirees, dynamic withdrawal strategies, and conservative alternatives.
Updated June 2026Common match structures, vesting schedules, and why maximizing your match is essential.
Updated June 2026Historical inflation data, purchasing power erosion, TIPS and I-Bond strategies, and inflation-adjusted withdrawal planning.
Updated June 2026Eligibility, contribution limits up to $70,000, Roth option, and comparison with SEP IRA.
Updated June 2026Contribution rules, income limits, deduction phase-outs, and strategies for one-income households.
Updated June 2026Balancing college savings vs retirement, spousal IRA alternatives, and tax-advantaged strategies for single parents.
Updated June 2026Which states tax Social Security benefits, combined income thresholds, and retirement relocation considerations.
Updated June 2026Deadline reminders, Roth conversion windows, tax-loss harvesting, RMD deadlines, and last-minute contribution strategies.
Updated June 2026Learn RMD tables, calculation methods, penalties, and tax strategies to minimize the impact of Required Minimum Distributions.
Updated July 2026Compare COBRA vs ACA marketplace health insurance for early retirees. Learn costs, subsidies, and which option saves you more.
Updated July 2026Complete Backdoor Roth IRA tutorial. Learn how to contribute when your income exceeds IRS limits, avoid pro-rata tax traps.
Updated July 2026Complete guide to using HSA for retirement planning. Learn the triple tax advantage, 2026 contribution limits, and investment options.
Updated July 2026Complete guide to RMD rules for 2026. Learn when RMDs start, how to calculate them, penalties, and strategies to reduce taxes.
Updated July 2026Calculate your Social Security break-even age. Compare claiming at 62, 67, or 70. Includes 2026 COLA increase and taxability analysis.
Updated July 2026401(k) vs IRA comparison: contribution limits, tax treatment, employer match, investment options, and withdrawal rules. Which is better for you in 2026?
Updated July 2026How much money do you need to retire? 2026 retirement savings targets by age, income level, and lifestyle. Includes 4% rule, replacement ratio, and calculator.
Updated July 2026Roth vs Traditional IRA: which is better? Compare tax treatment, income limits, withdrawal rules, and use our calculator to decide which is best for you in 2026.
Updated July 2026Which states don't tax Social Security benefits? 2026 retirement tax map: 13 states tax SS, 37 don't. Plus: which states are most tax-friendly for retirees.
Updated July 2026Is the 4% rule still valid? 2026 updated analysis: new research, lower bond yields, longer life expectancy, and safer withdrawal rate alternatives.
Updated July 2026Pension vs Lump Sum: which is better? 2026 guide with break-even analysis, tax impact, survivorship benefits, and our free calculator.
Updated July 2026Early retirement healthcare guide: COBRA vs ACA marketplace vs HSA strategy. How to bridge the healthcare gap before Medicare at 65. 2026 premiums and subsidies.
Updated July 2026Part of the CalcTools family — free calculators built for financial clarity