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401(k) Contribution Limits 2025–2026: Max Out Strategies
Employee deferral limits, catch-up contributions, total 401(k) limit including employer match, and mega backdoor.
July 9, 20267 min readBy MyWealthForge
Key Takeaways
- 12025 employee limit: $23,500. Catch-up (50+): +$7,500.
- 2Total limit (employee + employer): $69,000.
- 3Match counts toward total, not employee limit.
- 4Max early in year if leaving employer mid-year.
401(k) limits are the highest-impact number in retirement saving — especially with employer match on top.
Run scenarios in our 401(k) calculator.
Max Out Strategy
Divide $23,500 by paychecks remaining. Increase 1% every quarter until at max.
After maxing, fund IRA then mega backdoor if available.
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