Retirement Account Profiles
Sourced profiles for every major U.S. tax-advantaged retirement account. 2026 contribution limits and eligibility rules are sourced from IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-19 (IRA limits) and IRS Rev. Proc. 2024-40 (workplace plan limits). These pages do not provide personalized investment advice.
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
- Traditional IRA, pre-tax contributions up to $7,500 in 2026 ($8,600 age 50+); tax-deferred growth; withdrawals taxed as ordinary income; deductibility phases out for active plan participants.
- Roth IRA, after-tax contributions up to $7,500 in 2026 ($8,600 age 50+); tax-free qualified withdrawals; income phaseout single $153,000-$168,000, MFJ $242,000-$252,000 MAGI.
- Inherited Traditional IRA, inherited IRA rules for non-spouse beneficiaries; SECURE 2.0 10-year rule; eligible designated beneficiary exceptions.
- SEP IRA, self-employed and employer-established; 2026 limit lesser of 25% compensation or $72,000; compensation cap $360,000; no employee contributions.
- SIMPLE IRA, for employers with ≤100 employees; 2026 limit $17,000; catch-up $4,000 (age 50+), $5,250 (ages 60-63); mandatory employer contributions.
Workplace Retirement Plans
- Traditional 401(k), employer-sponsored pre-tax deferred compensation; 2026 elective deferral $24,500; age 50+ catch-up $8,000; ages 60-63 catch-up $11,250.
- Roth 401(k), designated Roth account inside a 401(k) plan; same deferral limits as traditional 401(k); no income limit unlike Roth IRA; tax-free qualified distributions.
- 403(b), tax-sheltered annuity plan for public schools, 501(c)(3) nonprofits and churches; same limits as 401(k); unique 15-year catch-up for long-service employees.
- Governmental 457(b), deferred compensation for state and local government employees; $24,500 in 2026; special double-limit catch-up available in last 3 pre-retirement years.
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), federal civilian and uniformed service plan; same elective deferral limits as 401(k); traditional and Roth contribution options; five core investment funds.
- Solo 401(k), one-participant plan for self-employed with no full-time W-2 employees; employee deferral up to $24,500 plus employer profit-sharing; total 2026 limit up to $72,000.
2026 Retirement Account Limits at a Glance
| Account | 2026 Limit | Catch-Up (50+) |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional IRA / Roth IRA | $7,500 | $1,100 (total $8,600) |
| 401(k) / 403(b) / TSP elective deferral | $24,500 | $8,000 (total $32,500) |
| Ages 60-63 catch-up (401k/403b/TSP) | $24,500 | $11,250 (total $35,750) |
| Governmental 457(b) | $24,500 | $8,000 (or double-limit special) |
| SEP IRA | $72,000 | N/A |
| SIMPLE IRA | $17,000 | $4,000 (ages 60-63: $5,250) |
| Solo 401(k) total | $72,000 | $80,000 (50+) |
Source: IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-19; IRS Rev. Proc. 2024-40. Limits are for the 2026 tax year. Verify current limits at IRS.gov.
Related Resources
- Investment Account Profiles Hub, all account categories including brokerage, health and education accounts.
- Roth vs. Traditional Calculator, model after-tax outcomes under different scenarios.
- RMD Estimator, estimate required minimum distributions from IRAs and 401(k)s.
- Retirement Savings Calculator, project account balances with contribution schedules.
- Retirement Investing Hub, strategy and planning content for retirement accounts.