The Internal Revenue Service adjusts annual contribution limits for tax-preferred retirement accounts (including 401(k), 403(b), 457 plans, the federal Thrift Savings Plan, and IRAs) each year to account for inflation.
January 01, 2026
high
temporal
Describes the IRS practice of indexing retirement-account contribution limits for inflation.
For 2026, the elective deferral (employee contribution) limit for 401(k), 403(b), and 457 plans and for the federal Thrift Savings Plan is $24,500.
January 01, 2026
high
temporal
Annual contribution limit for common employer-sponsored retirement plans for the 2026 plan year.
For 2026, the catch-up contribution limit for workers aged 50 and older for 401(k), 403(b), and 457 plans and for the federal Thrift Savings Plan is $8,000.
January 01, 2026
high
temporal
Additional elective deferral allowance for participants aged 50+ in employer-sponsored retirement plans for the 2026 plan year.
The S&P 500 index is widely used as a benchmark that influences the performance and valuation of many U.S. 401(k) retirement accounts.
October 10, 2025
high
market_benchmark
Many retirement investors hold funds and products that track or are compared against the S&P 500.