401(k) Catch-Up Contribution Optimizer
Calculate and optimize your 401(k) catch-up contributions for 2025 & 2026. Includes super catch-up limits and Roth mandate rules for ages 50+.
For savers aged 50 and older, the IRS allows extra 401(k) contributions known as catch-ups. This 401k catch up calculator helps you estimate how much more you can contribute in 2025 and 2026, how it impacts your retirement balance, and how different strategies (pre-tax vs. Roth) compare. Includes new SECURE 2.0 super catch-up rules for ages 60-63 and Roth mandate for high earners.
Must be ≥ 50 for catch-ups
Used to compute contribution capacity
2025 standard limit: $22,500
Employer contribution
IRS catch-up limit: $7,500
Long-term growth rate
Used for projection
To estimate tax savings (pre-tax)
Understanding 401(k) Catch-Up Contributions
Catch-up contributions let you (once you hit 50) to go beyond the standard 401(k) limit to turbocharge your retirement nest egg. In 2025, you can add an extra $7,500, which brings your total to $30,000. The 2026 limits increase to $23,000 standard plus $7,500 catch-up, with an additional super catch-up of $10,000 for ages 60-63.
2025 401(k) Contribution Limits
| Type | Under 50 | 50+ |
|---|---|---|
| Employee Contribution | $22,500 | $30,000 |
| Catch-Up Contribution | — | $7,500 |
| Total Employee + Employer | $69,000 | $76,500 |
2026 401(k) Contribution Limits
| Type | Under 50 | 50-59 | 60-63 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employee Contribution | $23,000 | $30,500 | $40,500 |
| Regular Catch-Up | — | $7,500 | $7,500 |
| Super Catch-Up (SECURE 2.0) | — | — | $10,000 |
| Total Employee + Employer | $69,000 | $76,500 | $86,500 |
Note: The super catch-up contribution of $10,000 is available for participants ages 60-63 in 2026, as part of the SECURE 2.0 Act provisions.
How to Calculate Your Catch-Up Amount
The amount you can contribute depends on your age and income:
- Ages 50-59: Standard catch-up of $7,500 in both 2025 and 2026
- Ages 60-63 (2026+): Regular catch-up of $7,500 plus super catch-up of $10,000 = $17,500 total catch-up
- Age 64+: Returns to standard catch-up of $7,500
Roth Mandate for High Earners (2026)
This Roth mandate affects high earners who would otherwise prefer pre-tax catch-up contributions. If you're a high earner, you'll need to plan for the tax implications of Roth contributions, though you'll benefit from tax-free withdrawals in retirement.
401(k) Catch-Up Rules for Age 60 to 63
The SECURE 2.0 Act introduces special rules for participants ages 60-63:
- You can contribute the standard $7,500 catch-up plus an additional $10,000 super catch-up
- Total catch-up contribution: $17,500 (in addition to the $23,000 standard limit in 2026)
- Maximum total contribution: $40,500 in 2026 for ages 60-63
- The super catch-up amount is indexed for inflation after 2026
- Give your retirement savings a final push when you need it most
- Make the most of your peak earning years
- Let more of your money grow without the tax bite
- Lower your tax bill today while saving for tomorrow
- Take advantage of SECURE 2.0 super catch-up for ages 60-63
What is the 401(k) catch-up limit for 2025?
The 401(k) catch-up limit for 2025 is $7,500. This is in addition to the standard $22,500 employee contribution limit, bringing the total to $30,000 for those age 50 and older.
What is the 401(k) catch-up limit for 2026?
The 401(k) catch-up limit for 2026 is $7,500. The standard employee contribution limit increases to $23,000 in 2026, bringing the total to $30,500 for those age 50 and older. Additionally, SECURE 2.0 introduces a super catch-up of $10,000 for ages 60-63, allowing them to contribute up to $40,500 total.
How does the super catch-up work for ages 60-63?
Starting in 2026, SECURE 2.0 allows participants ages 60-63 to make an additional super catch-up contribution of $10,000 (indexed for inflation), on top of the regular $7,500 catch-up. This means those ages 60-63 can contribute up to $40,500 total in 2026 ($23,000 standard + $7,500 regular catch-up + $10,000 super catch-up). The super catch-up amount is indexed for inflation after 2026.
Do I have to make Roth catch-up contributions in 2026?
If you earned $145,000 or more (indexed for inflation) in the prior year, SECURE 2.0 requires that your catch-up contributions in 2026 must be made as Roth contributions. This Roth mandate applies to high earners only. The income threshold is based on your wages from the employer sponsoring the plan in the prior calendar year.
Can I contribute more to my 401(k) if I am over 50?
Yes, if you are over 50, you can make catch-up contributions. In 2025, you can contribute an additional $7,500 on top of the standard $22,500 limit, for a total of $30,000. In 2026, the standard limit increases to $23,000, and those ages 60-63 can contribute an additional $10,000 super catch-up, bringing their total to $40,500.
What is the income threshold for Roth catch-up contributions?
The income threshold for the Roth catch-up mandate in 2026 is $145,000 (indexed for inflation). If your prior year's wages were at or above this threshold, your catch-up contributions must be made as Roth contributions. This is a requirement under SECURE 2.0, not optional for high earners.
How much can I contribute to my 401(k) if I'm over 50 in 2025?
If you're 50 or older in 2025, you can contribute up to $30,000 to your 401(k) - $22,500 in regular contributions plus $7,500 in catch-up contributions.
What are the 401k catch up rules for age 60 to 63?
Starting in 2026, participants ages 60-63 can make a super catch-up contribution of $10,000 in addition to the regular $7,500 catch-up. This means they can contribute up to $40,500 total ($23,000 standard + $17,500 in catch-up contributions). This is a new provision under SECURE 2.0 designed to help those closest to retirement maximize their savings.
How much can I contribute to 401k after 50?
After age 50, you can contribute the standard limit plus a catch-up contribution. In 2025, that's $22,500 + $7,500 = $30,000. In 2026, it's $23,000 + $7,500 = $30,500. For ages 60-63 in 2026, you can add an additional $10,000 super catch-up, bringing the total to $40,500.
What is the 401k contribution limit with catch up 2026?
The 401(k) contribution limit with catch-up for 2026 is $30,500 for ages 50-59 ($23,000 standard + $7,500 catch-up). For ages 60-63, the limit is $40,500 ($23,000 standard + $7,500 regular catch-up + $10,000 super catch-up).
Should I make catch-up contributions pre-tax or Roth?
This depends on your current tax bracket vs. expected tax bracket in retirement. Pre-tax contributions reduce your current taxable income, while Roth contributions provide tax-free withdrawals in retirement. However, starting in 2026, high earners ($145k+) must use Roth for catch-ups due to the SECURE 2.0 mandate. For others, consider your expected tax rate in retirement when deciding.
What is a retirement savings catch up strategy?
A retirement savings catch-up strategy involves maximizing your contributions as you approach retirement. This includes making full catch-up contributions starting at age 50, taking advantage of the super catch-up at ages 60-63 if applicable, and considering the tax implications of pre-tax vs. Roth contributions. The goal is to maximize your retirement nest egg during your peak earning years.
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