Catch-up contributions allow workers age 50 and older to save extra money in retirement accounts beyond the standard limits. The SECURE 2.0 Act introduced an even higher "super catch-up" for ages 60-63, letting you contribute thousands more each year to your 401(k), 403(b), or 457 plan. Use this free calculator to see your maximum contribution across all account types and estimate the tax savings.
Your Information
Catch-up starts at age 50; super catch-up at 60-63
Used for Roth IRA eligibility and tax savings estimate
Note: 401(k) and SIMPLE IRA are generally mutually exclusive. Check both only if you have multiple employers.
Contribution Breakdown by Account
| Account Type | Base Limit | Catch-Up | Total Max |
|---|
Roth IRA Income Limit Notice
Estimated Tax Savings
Estimate assumes all contributions are tax-deductible (Traditional/pre-tax). Roth contributions are not tax-deductible upfront.
Contribution Limits by Age
| Age | 401(k) Max | IRA Max | HSA Max | Total |
|---|
HSA amounts shown for self-only coverage. 2026 contribution limits.
How to Use the Catch-Up Contribution Calculator
If you are 50 or older, you can make additional catch-up contributions to your retirement accounts beyond the standard limits. The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 made this even more generous for workers ages 60-63 with the new "super catch-up" provision. This calculator shows you the maximum amount you can contribute across all your retirement accounts, including 401(k), IRA, HSA, and SIMPLE IRA, along with an estimate of your tax savings.
Step 1: Enter Your Age and Income
Start by entering your current age. This determines whether you qualify for standard catch-up contributions (ages 50-59 and 64+) or the higher SECURE 2.0 super catch-up (ages 60-63). Then enter your gross annual income, which is used to estimate your marginal tax rate and check Roth IRA eligibility based on modified adjusted gross income thresholds.
Step 2: Select Your Account Types
Check the boxes for each retirement account you contribute to. Most workers will have a 401(k) and IRA. If you have a high-deductible health plan, check the HSA box and select whether you have self-only or family coverage. SIMPLE IRAs are typically offered by small employers instead of a 401(k), so most people will not check both.
Step 3: Review Your Maximum Contributions
The calculator shows a per-account breakdown with base limits and catch-up amounts. If you are between 60 and 63, you will see the super catch-up banner highlighting your enhanced limits. The total across all accounts represents the absolute maximum you could contribute in 2026. Keep in mind that 401(k) limits apply per employer, while IRA limits apply per person.
Step 4: Understand the Tax Impact
The tax savings section estimates how much your contributions could reduce your federal income tax. This assumes all contributions are to pre-tax or tax-deductible accounts. Roth contributions are made with after-tax dollars and do not provide an upfront deduction but grow tax-free. The age comparison table lets you see how catch-up contribution limits change across key age milestones from 49 through 64.
Understanding SECURE 2.0 Super Catch-Up
The SECURE 2.0 Act recognized that people in their early 60s often need to accelerate retirement savings. The super catch-up allows $11,250 in catch-up contributions (instead of $7,500) to 401(k), 403(b), and governmental 457 plans for workers ages 60 through 63. Similarly, SIMPLE IRA super catch-up increases to $5,350 from $3,850. These enhanced limits make a significant difference when combined across accounts, potentially adding thousands more per year in tax-advantaged retirement savings.
FAQ
Is this catch-up contribution calculator free?
Yes, this calculator is completely free with no signup, no ads, and no limits. All calculations run in your browser. You can run unlimited scenarios to plan your retirement contributions.
Is my financial data safe?
Absolutely. All calculations run entirely in your browser using client-side JavaScript. Your income, age, and account information are never sent to any server or stored anywhere. You can verify this by disconnecting from the internet.
What is the SECURE 2.0 super catch-up contribution?
Starting in 2025, the SECURE 2.0 Act introduced a higher catch-up contribution limit for people ages 60-63. For 2026, this means an extra $11,250 (instead of $7,500) for 401(k)/403(b)/457 plans, bringing the total maximum to $35,750. This super catch-up provision helps people in their early 60s accelerate retirement savings.
Who qualifies for catch-up contributions?
Anyone age 50 or older by the end of the calendar year can make catch-up contributions to eligible retirement accounts. The standard catch-up applies to ages 50-59 and 64+, while the SECURE 2.0 super catch-up provides even higher limits for ages 60-63 in 401(k), 403(b), 457, and SIMPLE IRA plans.
Can I contribute to both a 401(k) and an IRA?
Yes, you can contribute to both a 401(k) and an IRA in the same year. The contribution limits are separate. However, your IRA tax deduction may be limited if you or your spouse are covered by a workplace retirement plan and your income exceeds certain thresholds.
What are the 2026 401(k) contribution limits?
For 2026, the base 401(k) contribution limit is $24,500. If you are age 50-59 or 64+, you can add a $7,500 catch-up for a total of $32,000. If you are age 60-63, the SECURE 2.0 super catch-up allows $11,250 extra for a total of $35,750.
How does the HSA catch-up contribution work?
HSA catch-up contributions are available starting at age 55 (not 50 like other retirement accounts). For 2026, the additional HSA catch-up is $1,000 on top of the base limit of $4,400 for self-only or $8,750 for family coverage. HSAs offer triple tax benefits: tax-deductible contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for medical expenses.