If you’re treating retirement contributions like a box you check in April, you’re missing the point. The 2026 limits aren’t just inflation updates. They’re leverage. Used correctly, they reduce taxes today, build long-term tax-free wealth, and give you control later.
Let’s break down what actually matters.
For 2026, the employee contribution limit is:
That means if you’re between 60 and 63, you can contribute up to $35,750 as an employee. That’s not a rounding error. That’s a serious tax planning tool.
And don’t forget that employer contributions are separate. If you own the business and structure it correctly, total contributions can go much higher with profit sharing or a Solo 401(k).
The IRA limits for 2026 are:
Even though the IRA limit is smaller than a 401(k), it still matters, especially when paired with backdoor Roth strategies for high-income earners.
I see contribution limits as tax planning levers. If you’re in a high-income year, maximizing a traditional 401(k) can reduce taxable income immediately. That may lower your marginal rate, reduce exposure to phaseouts, and improve overall planning flexibility.
If you’re earlier in your earning years or expect income to rise, Roth contributions might make more sense. Paying tax on a smaller income base today and locking in tax-free growth for decades is powerful.
If you’re self-employed, it gets even better. With the right structure, like a Solo 401(k), S corporation, or profit-sharing plan, you can push significant income into tax-advantaged space. The key is coordination. Not just contributing blindly because your accountant reminded you.
This is where it gets interesting. If you’re between 60 and 63, the super catch-up allows a $11,250 employee catch-up contribution in 2026. These years are usually peak earning years. The mortgage may be smaller, kids may be off payroll, and cash flow is stronger. This is the time to lean in.
If you’re behind on retirement savings, this window is your opportunity to close that gap aggressively.
The real question isn’t which one gives you a deduction, but what your income will look like later.
If you expect higher income in retirement from business ownership, real estate, investments, or ongoing cash flow, Roth deserves serious consideration. Paying tax on the seed is often better than paying tax on the harvest. If you truly expect lower income later and need relief now, traditional contributions can make sense.
And remember, this does not have to be all or nothing. Diversifying between Roth and traditional gives you flexibility later to manage taxable income, Medicare premiums, and required distributions. Flexibility is power.
If your employer offers a match, that comes first. Always. That’s an immediate return on your money. Contribute at least enough to capture the full match before you debate Roth versus traditional. Free money is FREE MONEY.
A smart 2026 strategy might include:
When coordinated properly, these create flexibility later. That flexibility allows you to control taxable income, Social Security taxation, Medicare surcharges, and wealth transfer strategy.
The essence of retirement planning is building options.
Small adjustments made early in the year are going to make your life so much easier instead of scrambling in December.
The 2026 contribution limits create opportunity. But opportunity only matters if you use it.
Maxing out your 401(k) or IRA isn’t just about retirement someday. It’s about lowering taxes now, compounding tax-advantaged growth, and building leverage for the future. If you want to see how your retirement contributions should coordinate with your business, real estate, and overall tax strategy, book a free 15-minute call with my team at KKOS Lawyers to map out a plan tailored to your situation.
And if you’re ready to open or optimize a self-directed retirement account, book a free 15-minute call with Directed IRA and get your account positioned to invest in assets you actually understand.
The limits are higher. The strategy matters. The move is yours.