The annual contribution limit for employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457 plans, and the federal government's Thrift Savings Plan is increased to $23,500, up from $23,000. The limit on annual contributions to an IRA remains $7,000.
2025 Retirement Plan Contribution Limits (401k, 457(b) & More) PlanNormal LimitPre-Retirement Catch-up Limit 401(a) $70,000 N/A 401(k) $23,500 N/A 403(b) $23,500 $15,000 lifetime cap IRA $7,000 N/A1 more row
Can I contribute 100% of my paycheck into my 401(k)? While you may be looking to contribute your entire paycheck to your 401(k), required federal and state withholding typically prevents you from doing so.
If you remember the rule of thumb earlier, experts advise saving 10% to 20% of your gross salary each year for retirement. You could put this all in your 401(k), but you should consider some other options once you cover your 401(k) match. If you're single and earn less than $165,000, you qualify for a Roth IRA in 2025.
How to max out your retirement savings Consider contributing to your workplace retirement account up to the employer match. Consider contributing the maximum amount to your health savings account (HSA) ... Consider contributing the maximum to an IRA (a Roth IRA, traditional IRA, and/or a rollover IRA)
If you're at least 50 years old though, the IRS will allow you to make extra contributions. These are referred to as “catch-up” contributions. For 2025 (and 2024), the IRS is allowing $7,500 in catch-up contributions.
What happens if you contribute too much to your 401(k)? If you defer more than your 401(k) plan allows, your excess deferrals will be treated as income in the year they are made and taxed a second time upon distribution. Excess deferrals and earnings can be reported on Form 1099-R when you file taxes.
The IRS sets the maximum that you and your employer can contribute to your 401(k) each year. For tax year 2023, the most you could contribute to a Roth 401(k), a traditional 401(k), or a combination of the two was $22,500. For 2024, this rose to $23,000.
Individuals who are age 50 or over at the end of the calendar year can make annual catch-up contributions. Annual catch-up contributions up to $7,500 in 2023 and 2024 ($6,500 in 2021-2020; $6,000 in 2015 - 2019) may be permitted by these plans: 401(k) (other than a SIMPLE 401(k)) 403(b)