❝

tl;dr: In 2027 you can put $25,500 into a 401(k), up from $24,500. Workers 50 and older can add $8,500 more, and those aged 60 to 63 can add $11,750. The IRA limit stays at $7,500, plus $1,100 if you are 50 or older. Income limits for Roth IRAs rise. Last verified November 14, 2026.

2027 401(k) and IRA contribution limits title card

2027 retirement contribution limits

2027 401(k) Contribution Limits

The IRS announced the 2027 limits on November 12, 2026 in Notice 2026-66. They cover 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457 plans and the federal Thrift Savings Plan.

Your age in 2027

Employee limit

Catch-up

Total

Under 50

$25,500

None

$25,500

50 to 59, or 64 and older

$25,500

$8,500

$34,000

60 to 63

$25,500

$11,750

$37,250

To max out $25,500 you need to contribute $2,125 a month, or about $981 per biweekly paycheck.

In this guide

2027 IRA Contribution Limits

  • Traditional and Roth IRA: $7,500 combined, unchanged from 2026

  • Catch-up at 50 or older: $1,100, for a total of $8,600

  • Monthly pace: $625 a month reaches $7,500

2027 Roth IRA Income Limits

You can contribute the full amount to a Roth IRA below the range, a reduced amount inside it and nothing above it.

Filing status

2027 phase-out range

2026 range

Single or head of household

$158,000 to $173,000

$153,000 to $168,000

Married filing jointly

$250,000 to $260,000

$242,000 to $252,000

Married filing separately

$0 to $10,000

$0 to $10,000

New to Roth accounts? Read our Roth IRA guide and try the Roth IRA growth calculator.

2027 Traditional IRA Deduction Limits

Anyone with earned income can contribute to a traditional IRA. Whether you can deduct it depends on your income if a workplace plan covers you or your spouse.

  • Single, covered by a workplace plan: $83,000 to $93,000

  • Married filing jointly, contributor covered: $133,000 to $153,000

  • Married filing jointly, only your spouse covered: $250,000 to $260,000

What to Do Before January

  • Raise your 401(k) percentage so you reach the new limit, and check it against your pay with our 401(k) contribution calculator.

  • Get the full employer match first. Our 401(k) guide explains how matches work.

  • Compare IRA matches. Some brokers add a bonus to IRA contributions: see our Robinhood, Webull and SoFi reviews.

  • Self-employed? A Solo 401(k) uses the same $25,500 employee limit. See our Carry review.

  • Check your tax bracket. See the 2027 tax brackets to weigh Roth against traditional.

This is general information, not tax or investment advice.

2027 Contribution Limit FAQ

1. What is the 401(k) limit for 2027?

$25,500, up from $24,500 in 2026.

2. What is the 401(k) catch-up for 2027?

$8,500 if you are 50 or older, and $11,750 if you are 60 to 63.

3. What is the IRA limit for 2027?

$7,500, the same as 2026, plus a $1,100 catch-up at 50 or older.

4. What is the Roth IRA income limit for 2027?

Contributions phase out from $158,000 to $173,000 for single filers and from $250,000 to $260,000 for married couples filing jointly.

5. Can I contribute to both a 401(k) and an IRA?

Yes. The limits are separate, though a workplace plan can limit how much of a traditional IRA contribution you can deduct.

Enjoying Lowcountry Ledger? Get new reviews and money guides in your inbox.

Choosing where to invest? Read our brokerage and crypto reviews.

Run the numbers with our free financial calculators.

Choosing where to open an IRA? Read our Fidelity review or compare all brokerage reviews. See also the 2027 tax brackets.

Important Disclosures:

This newsletter & site is intended for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as investment, legal, or tax advice. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author alone and do not necessarily represent the views of any business, employer, or affiliated entity. Investing carries inherent risks, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and seek advice from qualified professionals before making any investment, legal, or financial decisions. While the information provided is believed to be accurate, no guarantee is made as to its completeness or reliability. The author and publisher disclaim any liability for decisions made or actions taken based on the content of this newsletter. This publication does not constitute an offer to buy or sell any security. Some of the links included in this newsletter may be affiliate links, meaning the author could earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase or sign up. By subscribing to or continuing to read this newsletter, you acknowledge and agree to these terms and conditions.

Recommended for you

View all
caret-right