401(k) Contribution Planner
Calculates your remaining 401(k) contribution room for the current year using IRS-published base and catch-up contrib...
What 401(k) Contribution Planner does
The 401(k) Contribution Planner on Rates and Limits calculates how much of your annual 401(k) contribution room remains for 2026. By entering your year-to-date contributions and selecting your age-based catch-up eligibility, the tool subtracts what you have already saved from the IRS-published standard limit ($24,500) and any applicable catch-up amount ($8,000 for age 50+, $11,250 for ages 60–63). The result shows exactly how much more you can contribute before the year ends, with each figure linked directly to the official IRS Notice 2025-67 for verification. What distinguishes this site’s version is its transparent breakdown of published versus user-entered numbers and its direct links to government source documents. Unlike many calculators that hide their data sources, Rates and Limits lists the exact IRS notice, the precise base limit, and each catch-up tier, then clearly marks computed results in a distinct color. The interface walks you through your catch-up eligibility before asking for contributions, and it explicitly states it does not factor in plan eligibility, employer matches, or tax advice.
How to use the Rates and Limits 401(k) Contribution Planner
- 1
Open the 401(k) Contribution Planner on Rates and Limits.
- 2
Enter the amount you have already contributed to your 401(k) so far in 2026.
- 3
Select which catch-up contribution applies to you: Age 50 catch-up ($8,000), Age 60 through 63 catch-up ($11,250), or none.
- 4
The tool calculates your remaining contribution room by subtracting your entered amount from the published base and catch-up limits.
- 5
Review the result and the linked IRS documentation to confirm the figures match your situation.
Best for
This option suits anyone planning their 2026 retirement savings who wants a quick, source-verified snapshot of how much additional 401(k) room they have, especially those approaching or over age 50 who may qualify for catch-up contributions
Limitations
- Relies on you entering your own contribution total accurately
- Does not include employer contributions or plan-specific eligibility rules
- Results are estimates based on your input, not official IRS calculations
401(k) Contribution Planner FAQ
- Can I use this tool if I’m under age 50?
- Yes. The calculator defaults to the standard $24,500 elective deferral limit without any catch-up amount. You simply enter your year-to-date contributions to see your remaining room.
- What catch-up amounts does the tool recognize for 2026?
- The tool recognizes an Age 50 catch-up of $8,000 and an Age 60 through 63 catch-up of $11,250, both published in IRS Notice 2025-67.
- Does the calculator factor in my employer’s matching contribution?
- No. The planner only considers your elective deferrals and any catch-up you qualify for; employer matches and plan eligibility are excluded.
- What happens if I’ve already contributed more than the limit allows?
- If your entered contributions exceed the published base and catch-up totals, the tool returns no result rather than a negative number, indicating that the limit has been reached.
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