Each year, the IRS updates contribution limits for retirement plans and other key savings accounts. The changes are usually incremental, but the impact is not, especially when they are captured consistently over time.
However, the higher limit is not automatic. It requires an update to payroll elections or recurring contributions. The planning opportunity is straightforward: adjust contributions to take advantage of the new limits.
At GHP Investment Advisors, keeping clients informed on these annual changes is part of our service offering, so opportunities like this do not get missed.
For 2026, the employee contribution limit increases to:
This is one of the easiest adjustments to implement, particularly if you contribute through payroll and can change your election in minutes.
If you are age 50 or older, you can contribute an additional:
If you are between ages 60 and 63, you may be eligible for a larger “super catch up” contribution:
Starting in 2026, if your prior-year wages were above $150,000 (FICA wages), any catch-up contributions to an employer retirement plan must be made on a Roth basis. This includes the super catch-up contribution for ages 60–63.
For 2026, the IRA contribution limit increases to:
If you are 50 or older:
Eligibility for direct Roth IRA contributions is based on modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). For 2026, the Roth IRA phase-out ranges are:
Many high earners fall above these thresholds, which limits or eliminates the ability to make a direct Roth IRA contribution.
That said, Roth planning is still relevant for many high-income households, but it needs to be coordinated carefully, especially in the presence of pre-tax IRA balances.
For those eligible to contribute to an HSA, the 2026 limits increase to:
If you are age 55 or older, you may contribute an additional $1,000 as a catch-up amount (per eligible individual).
HSAs remain one of the most tax-efficient accounts available when used strategically, particularly for households that can cash flow current medical expenses while allowing the HSA to grow.
If you want to benefit from the new 2026 limits, the most important step is administrative:
These annual updates are a planning opportunity, creating additional capacity to build wealth in tax-advantaged accounts. When coordinated thoughtfully, they help protect what you have built and keep your financial decisions aligned with your lifestyle, family priorities, and long-term goals.
This is what GHP Investment Advisors does every day. We help clients make smart decisions with more coordination and less friction, from retirement savings strategy to tax-aware investing, estate planning coordination, and ongoing financial planning. When the IRS adjusts the rules, we make sure clients understand what changed, what matters, and what action is worth taking.
If you would like a second set of eyes on your savings strategy for 2026, or want to confirm whether catch-up or Roth planning opportunities apply to your household, our team is here as a resource.
Top Row L to R: Brad Engle, Mike Sullivan, Sebrina Ivey, Christian Lewton, Jason Kitner
Bottom Row L to R: Carin Wagner, Angela Kennedy Lee, Jenny Merges, Brian Friedman, Deirdre Mcguire, Barbara Terrazas, Reed McCoy