New Gifting and Contribution Limit Changes For 2026

It is a new year and with that comes new contribution and gifting limits from the IRS.  As you begin to plan for the year ahead, we’ve highlighted some key changes in 2026 to be aware of for retirement accounts, health saving accounts, and gifting.

Individual Retirement Accounts

The annual contribution limits for traditional and Roth IRAs have increased to $7,500 for 2026. Those age 50 and older can make an additional $1,100 catch-up contribution, for a total of $8,600.

Workplace and Group Retirement Plans

Contributions to workplace retirement plans such as 401(k), 403(b), and most 457 plans have increased from $23,500 in 2025 to $24,500 in 2026. Employees age 50 and older can contribute an additional $8000 as a catch-up contribution in 2026.  Plan participants ages 60 to 63 are eligible to contribute an additional $11,250 as a super catch-up contribution in place of the standard $8000 catch-up contribution.

The contribution limit for self-employed 401(k) plans has increased from $70,000 in 2025 to $72,000 in 2026.  Those age 50 and older can make an additional $8000 catch-up contribution and those ages 60 to 63 can make an $11,500 super catch-up contribution.

For SIMPLE IRA retirement plans, the contribution limit is $17,000 in 2026, up from $16,500 in 2025. Those 50 and older can make an additional $4000 catch-up contribution and those ages 60 to 63 can make a $5,250 super catch-up contribution.

Health Savings Accounts

Individuals can contribute $4,400 to their HSA in 2026 if they are covered by a high-deductible health plan (HDHP).  For families, you can contribute $8,750 in 2026.  For those 55 and older, you can make an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution. Note that if spouses are both over 55 and both want to make the catch-up contribution, they need two separate HSA accounts.

Gifting Limits

The annual federal gift tax exclusion amount (the amount that may be gifted to one individual without needing to file a gift tax return) is $19,000 in 2026, just as it was in 2025.  The federal estate and lifetime gift exemption is now $15 million per individual for 2026.

Tax Brackets, Standard Deductions, and Phase-Outs

If you are interested in finding out more, this IRS page details tax inflation adjustments for 2026, including tax brackets, standard deduction amounts ($32,200 for married filing jointly and $16,100 for single filers), and other key information such as the increases discussed in this article.

Please reach out to your wealth management team with questions about how you can make the most of these new contribution and gifting limits in 2026.

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