In 2025, the contribution limits for 401(k) plans are as follows:
- For employees under age 50, the maximum employee contribution limit is $23,500. This includes both pre-tax and Roth 401(k) contributions combined
- Employees aged 50 and older can make additional catch-up contributions of $7,500 , raising their total possible contribution to $31,000 in 2025
- New in 2025, employees aged 60 to 63 can contribute an even higher catch-up amount of $11,250 , allowing a total contribution of $34,750 if their plan permits
- Employer contributions do not count toward the employee's individual limit but are subject to a combined total limit. The combined employee and employer contribution limit for 2025 is $70,000 for those under 50, and it increases with catch-up contributions for older employees (up to $81,250 for ages 60-63)
Summary table for 2025 employee contribution limits:
Age Group| Employee Contribution Limit| Catch-Up Contribution| Total Possible
Contribution
---|---|---|---
Under 50| $23,500| N/A| $23,500
50 to 59| $23,500| $7,500| $31,000
60 to 63| $23,500| $11,250| $34,750
64 and older| $23,500| $7,500| $31,000
These limits apply across all 401(k) accounts you may have, including traditional and Roth 401(k)s combined
. The deadline to make contributions for the tax year is December 31 of that year
. This increase in limits is part of IRS annual adjustments for inflation to help individuals save more for retirement
