Data & limits

2025 Retirement Contribution Limits: Every Account, Side by Side

July 27, 2026 · By Tim Miller · 2 min read

Ages All ages 2025 contribution limits 401k limit 2025 ira limit 2025 403b 457b hsa limit secure 2.0 catch-up

How much can you actually put into each retirement account in 2025? Here are the IRS limits for every major plan in one place, including catch-up contributions and the new SECURE 2.0 ‘super catch-up’ for people aged 60–63.

Account	2025 employee limit	Catch-up (age 50+)	Ages 60–63 (SECURE 2.0)
401(k), 403(b), most 457(b)	$23,500	+$7,500	+$11,250 instead of $7,500
Traditional / Roth IRA	$7,000	+$1,000	— (same +$1,000)
SIMPLE IRA	$16,500	+$3,500	+$5,250 instead of $3,500
SEP IRA / Solo 401(k) (total)	up to $70,000	(Solo 401k adds catch-up)	—
HSA (self-only / family)	$4,300 / $8,550	+$1,000 (age 55+)	—

The details that trip people up

The $23,500 is your limit, not per account. If you have both a 401(k) and a 403(b), your combined employee deferrals still can’t exceed $23,500 (plus catch-up).
457(b) is the big exception. A governmental 457(b) has its own separate $23,500 limit. Teachers and government workers who have both a 403(b) and a 457(b) can defer up to $23,500 in each — a rare chance to shelter far more.
The total 401(k) limit is much higher. Employee + employer contributions can reach $70,000 in 2025 (the Section 415(c) limit), which is why matches and profit-sharing matter.
The 60–63 super catch-up is new. Starting in 2025, workers aged 60 to 63 can make a larger catch-up ($11,250 instead of $7,500 in a 401(k)/403(b)).

IRA income limits still apply

Anyone with earned income can contribute to an IRA, but Roth IRA eligibility phases out at higher incomes, and the deductibility of a Traditional IRA can phase out if you’re covered by a workplace plan. Higher earners often use a ‘backdoor Roth’ to get around the Roth income cap.

First things first

Before maxing anything, capture your full employer match — it’s an instant return no contribution limit can beat. Then decide between Roth (tax-free later) and Traditional (deduction now) based on your tax bracket today versus in retirement.

Educational information only, not financial or tax advice. Figures are current for the tax/plan year noted and can change — always confirm the latest at the official source (IRS.gov, SSA.gov, or your plan) before acting.

← Back to all articles