IRS Contribution Limits
Contribution limits are determined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) each year. These amounts apply to each Plan, allowing you to contribute the maximum amount per Plan. The 2025 IRS contribution limits are detailed in the table below. Please note: if you have more than one plan, the maximum amount you can contribute to the combination of plans is $70,000 ($77,500 if age 50 or older).
| Plan type | Standard | Age-based (50+) catch-up | Special age-based (60-63) catch-up | Traditional catch-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 457(b) Plan | $23,500 | $7,500 | $11,250 | $23,500 |
| 401(k) Plan | $23,500 | $7,500 | $11,250 | N/A |
| 403(b) Plan | $23,500 | $7,500 | $11,250 | $15,000 Lifetime |
| 401(a) Plan | $70,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
About your Plan
403(b)
Hint Text457(b)
Hint Text401(a)
Hint Text401(k)
Hint TextThe annual elective deferral limit for 403(b) plan employee contributions is $23,500. Employees age 50 or older may contribute up to an additional $7,500 for a total of $31,000.
The total contribution limit for both employee and employer contributions to 403(b) defined contribution plans under section 415(c)(1)(A) is $70,000 ($77,500 if age 50 or older).
Note: if you are contributing to a 401(k) and a 403(b) the combined limit is $23,500.
The normal contribution limit for elective deferrals to a 457 deferred compensation plan is $23,500. Employees age 50 or older may contribute up to an additional $7,500 for a total of $31,000. Employees taking advantage of the special pre-retirement catch-up may be eligible to contribute up to double the normal limit, for a total of $47,000.
The total contribution limit for 401(a) defined contribution plans under section 415(c)(1)(A) is $70,000 for 2025. This includes both employer and employee contributions.
The annual elective deferral limit for 401(k) plan employee contributions is $23,500. Employees age 50 or older may contribute up to an additional $7,500 for a total of $31,000.
The total contribution limit for both employee and employer contributions to 401(k) defined contribution plans under section 415(c)(1)(A) is $70,000 ($77,500 if age 50 or older).
Note: if you are contributing to a 401(k) and a 403(b) the combined limit is $23,500.
Frequently Asked Questions
In a tax year when you are 50 or older and are actively employed, you can defer up to $7,500 over the normal deferral limit to your 457(b), 401(k) or 403(b).
Participants who are 60, 61, 62, or 63 years old by the end of the calendar year can contribute up to $11,250, surpassing the standard $7,500 catch-up limit for those aged 50 and above. This allows for a total contribution of $34,750 to 457(b), 401(k), or 403(b) plans in 2025. This new provision, introduced by the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022, became effective on January 1, 2025.
Participants who are 59 but will turn 60 within the calendar year are eligible for the special age-based catch-up. Participants turning 64 or older within the calendar year are only eligible for the 50+ catch-up.
457(b):
If you are within the three years prior to your plan’s Normal Retirement Age, you may be eligible to make a one-time election to defer additional money into your retirement plan.
403(b):
If you have 15 or more years of service at the same employer, you can contribute an additional $3,000 a year if you have not maxed out your 403(b) contributions in previous years. This 15-year service catch-up has a $15,000 lifetime limit.
The Saver's Tax Credit rewards low and moderate income taxpayers who are working hard and need more help saving for retirement. If you qualify, it gives you a federal income tax credit on your federal income tax return – just for investing for retirement through your 403(b), 457(b) and/or 401(k) plan.
Learn More
Do I qualify for the Retirement Savings Contributions Credit? | Internal Revenue Service