Each year the U.S. government adjusts the limits for qualified plans and Social Security to reflect cost-of-living adjustments and changes in the law. Many of these limits are based on the "plan year" as defined in the plan document. The elective deferral and catch-up limits are always based on the calendar year.
2027 2026 2025
Compensation $375,000 $360,000 $350,000
Limits on benefits and contributions:
Defined contribution plans $75,000 $72,000 $70,000
Defined benefit plans $300,000 $290,000 $280,000
401(k), 403(b) and 457 plan elective deferrals $25,500 $24,500 $23,500
SIMPLE plan elective deferrals $17,500 $17,000 $16,500
IRA $7,500 $7,500 $7,000
Catch-up contributions:
401(k), 403(b) and 457 plans (age 50-59 & 64+) $8,500 $8,000 $7,500
401(k), 403 (b) and 457 plans (age 60-63) $11,750 $11,250 N/A
SIMPLE plans (age 50-59 & 64+) $4,000 $4,000 $3,500
SIMPLE plans (age 60-63) $5,250 $5,250 N/A
IRA $1,100 $1,100 $1,000
"Highly Compensated" definition $170,000 $160,000 $160,000
"Key Employee" definition:
Officer $245,000 $235,000 $230,000
1% owner $150,000 $150,000 $150,000
Social Security taxable wage base $192,300 $184,500 $176,100