Retirement: limits, Social Security and withdrawals

2026 contribution limits and income phase-outs, when to claim Social Security, required minimum distributions, HSAs and Roth conversions.

Figures from official sources · Checked 30 September 2026

$24,500401(k) employee limit

$7,500IRA limit (Traditional + Roth)

$153,000 – $168,000Roth IRA phase-out — single

$4,400HSA limit — self-only / family ($4,400 / $8,750)

📈$24,500401(k) employee limit

💵$7,500IRA limit (Traditional + …

🧓LEARN SMARTER

🎯$153,000 – $168,000Roth IRA phase-out — sing…

✅$4,400HSA limit — self-only / f…

👋 Start here

🔢 Key numbers

Item	Figure	Source
401(k) employee limit	$24,500	IRS Notice 2025-67
IRA limit (Traditional + Roth)	$7,500	IRS Notice 2025-67
Roth IRA phase-out — single	$153,000 – $168,000	IRS Notice 2025-67
HSA limit — self-only / family	$4,400 / $8,750	IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-19
Social Security full retirement age (born 1960+)	67	SSA
Claiming at 62 / 70 (born 1960+)	−30% / +24%	SSA
RMD starting age	73 (1951–59) · 75 (1960+)	IRS

Each figure links to the guide that explains it and lists the official source. Rates and limits change — always confirm with the source or provider.

All retirement guides

📄401(k), Traditional IRA and Roth IRA: how they differ (2026 limits)Where you save for retirement changes your taxes now and later. Here are the basics and the 2026 contribution limits.📄2026 retirement contribution limits and income phase-outs401(k), IRA, HSA, SIMPLE and catch-up limits for 2026, plus Roth IRA and Saver’s Credit income limits.📄Social Security: when to claim (age 62, full retirement age, or 70)Your monthly Social Security benefit depends on the age you start. Here is how claiming at 62, 67 or 70 changes it for people born in 1960 or later.📄Required minimum distributions (RMDs): when they startMost tax-deferred retirement accounts require withdrawals starting at age 73 or 75, depending on your birth year.📄Health savings accounts (HSAs): 2026 limits and how they workAn HSA offers tax advantages if you have a high-deductible health plan. Here are the 2026 limits and the minimum deductible.📄Roth conversions: what they are and what to weighA Roth conversion moves money from a Traditional IRA or pre-tax plan into a Roth IRA. You pay income tax on the converted amount now, and qualified withdrawals later are tax-free.📄SIMPLE IRA and SEP IRA 2026: limits for small businesses2026 IRS figures for SIMPLE IRAs and SEP IRAs, plus related plan limits from Notice 2025-67.📄Saver’s Credit 2026: income limitsA tax credit for lower-income savers who contribute to an IRA or workplace plan — 2026 adjusted gross income limits.

🧮 Calculators

🧓401(k) CalculatorOpen calculator 📈Traditional vs Roth IRA CalculatorOpen calculator 💰Compound Interest & Savings CalculatorOpen calculator 🎯Savings Goal CalculatorOpen calculator

❓ Frequently asked questions

How much can I put in a 401(k) in 2026?

$24,500 as an employee, plus an $8,000 catch-up at age 50 or older (and $11,250 for ages 60–63 if your plan allows). Employer matching contributions do not count toward your employee limit.

Traditional or Roth?

It depends mainly on whether you expect a higher tax rate now or in retirement. Try the Traditional vs Roth IRA calculator with your own rates.

When should I claim Social Security?

Claiming at 62 reduces your monthly benefit by about 30% (born 1960 or later); waiting until 70 increases it to 124% of the full benefit. Your health, other income and spouse matter.

When do required minimum distributions start?

Age 73 if you were born 1951–1959 and age 75 if you were born in 1960 or later.

General information, not financial, tax or legal advice. See our editorial policy and disclaimer.