401(k) Contribution Limits 2025
The 2025 IRS 401(k) employee contribution limit is $23,500. If you're 50 or older, add a $7,500 catch-up for a total of $31,000. New for 2025: ages 60-63 can contribute up to $34,750 under the SECURE 2.0 super catch-up provision.
2025 vs 2024 IRS 401(k) Limits
| Limit Type | 2024 | 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employee Elective Deferral Limit | $23,000 | $23,500 | +$500 |
| Catch-Up Contribution (Age 50+) | $7,500 | $7,500 | — |
| Super Catch-Up (Age 60-63) | N/A | $11,250 | NEW |
| Total Employee Limit (Age 50+) | $30,500 | $31,000 | +$500 |
| Total Employee Limit (Age 60-63) | N/A | $34,750 | NEW |
| Combined Limit (Employee + Employer) | $69,000 | $70,000 | +$1,000 |
🆕 SECURE 2.0 Act: Super Catch-Up (Ages 60-63)
Starting in 2025, employees aged 60, 61, 62, or 63 can make a super catch-up contribution of $11,250 — larger than the standard $7,500 catch-up. This raises the total employee deferral to $34,750 for this specific age group, creating an extra savings window in the final years before the typical retirement age of 65.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 401(k) contribution limit for 2025?▼
For 2025, the IRS 401(k) employee contribution limit is $23,500 — up from $23,000 in 2024. If you are age 50 or older, you can make catch-up contributions of an additional $7,500, raising the total to $31,000. The combined limit including employer contributions (match + profit sharing) is $70,000 in 2025. Source: IRS Notice 2024-80.
Did 401(k) limits increase from 2024 to 2025?▼
Yes. The employee elective deferral limit increased from $23,000 in 2024 to $23,500 in 2025 — a $500 increase. The catch-up contribution for age 50+ remained at $7,500. The total limit including employer contributions increased from $69,000 to $70,000.
What is the super catch-up 401(k) contribution for 2025?▼
Under the SECURE 2.0 Act, employees aged 60-63 can make a 'super catch-up' contribution of $11,250 in 2025 (instead of the standard $7,500 catch-up). This raises the total employee limit for those aged 60-63 to $34,750 in 2025.
Does employer 401(k) match count toward the limit?▼
Employer contributions count toward the total combined limit of $70,000, but NOT toward your personal $23,500 employee elective deferral limit. So you can still contribute $23,500 (or $31,000 if 50+) regardless of how much your employer matches.
What is the difference between a traditional 401(k) and Roth 401(k)?▼
Both share the same $23,500 contribution limit. Traditional 401(k): contributions are pre-tax (reduce your taxable income now), withdrawals in retirement are taxed as ordinary income. Roth 401(k): contributions are after-tax (no upfront deduction), but all qualified withdrawals in retirement are completely tax-free. Unlike a Roth IRA, there are no income limits to contribute to a Roth 401(k).
Should you use your 401(k) or a Roth IRA? Get your personalised verdict.
Use the Free 401k vs Roth Calculator →Source: IRS Notice 2024-80. For educational purposes only. Not financial advice.