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US Retirement Account Contribution Limits

2024 IRS contribution limits for 401(k), IRA, and HSA accounts, including catch-up amounts for savers 50 and older. See exact dollar caps at a glance.

Written by · Reviewed by the thecalcu.com team · Last updated July 19, 2026

Data as of Tax Year 2024Reviewed annually

Rates, thresholds, and slabs shown here reflect the data as of Tax Year 2024 and can change with government budgets or policy updates. Always confirm current figures with an official source before making a financial decision.

Contribution limits are set annually by the IRS and adjusted for inflation. Figures below are for tax year 2024, always confirm the current year's limits before finalising your contribution elections. Model your own savings trajectory with the 401(k) Calculator.

401(k) Limits

2024 Limit
Employee contribution $23,000
Catch-up (age 50+) +$7,500
Total with catch-up $30,500
Combined employee + employer $69,000
Combined with catch-up (50+) $76,500

IRA Limits (Traditional & Roth Combined)

2024 Limit
Under age 50 $7,000
Age 50+ (catch-up) $8,000

The $7,000 limit applies across both Traditional and Roth IRAs combined, you can split contributions between the two, but the total across both accounts can't exceed the limit. Roth eligibility phases out at higher incomes; compare the two using the Roth vs Traditional IRA Calculator.

HSA Limits

2024 Limit
Self-only coverage $4,150
Family coverage $8,300

Key Things to Know

  • 401(k) and IRA limits don't share a cap. You can max out both in the same year, a combined $30,000 (or $38,500 with catch-up) across the two account types for someone under 50.
  • The employer match doesn't count against your personal limit, only against the much higher combined limit, so chasing a full employer match on top of your own contribution rarely causes a problem.
  • Catch-up contributions require active enrollment. Check with your plan administrator once you turn 50 rather than assuming the higher limit applies automatically.
  • Every limit here adjusts annually for inflation. Confirm the current year's figures with the IRS or your plan provider before setting contribution elections, especially early in a new calendar year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 401(k) limit include employer matching contributions?

No, the $23,000 employee limit for 2024 covers only what you personally contribute. The combined limit including employer match is much higher, $69,000 for 2024 ($76,500 with catch-up), so most people never get close to the combined cap even while maxing out their own contribution.

Can I contribute to both a 401(k) and an IRA in the same year?

Yes, the two limits are entirely separate, maxing out a 401(k) at $23,000 doesn't reduce your $7,000 IRA limit at all. Whether your IRA contribution is tax-deductible on top of that depends on your income and whether you're also covered by a workplace plan.

What happens if I contribute more than the limit?

Excess contributions are subject to a 6% excise tax per year until corrected, so it's worth catching an overcontribution early. Most 401(k) plans and IRA custodians will flag or automatically stop excess contributions, but it's still your responsibility to check, especially if you've had more than one employer's plan in the same year.

Is the catch-up contribution automatic once I turn 50?

No, you need to actively elect the higher contribution amount with your plan administrator or IRA custodian. Turning 50 doesn't automatically increase your paycheck deduction; you have to update your contribution election yourself.

How do these limits compare to an HSA?

An HSA has a much lower cap, $4,150 for self-only coverage or $8,300 for family coverage in 2024, but offers a unique triple tax advantage (pre-tax contributions, tax-free growth, tax-free withdrawals for medical expenses) that neither a 401(k) nor an IRA fully replicates.

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