Catch-Up Contribution Calculator
Workers aged 50 and older can contribute extra to their retirement accounts under IRS catch-up rules. The SECURE 2.0 Act (signed December 2022) introduced an enhanced "super catch-up" for participants aged 60 through 63, allowing an even larger contribution to 401(k), 403(b), and governmental 457(b) plans starting in 2025. This calculator shows your total allowable 401(k) and IRA contribution amounts for 2025 based on your age, including any applicable catch-up or super catch-up amounts.
Catch-up contribution limits (2025)
401(k) base = $23,500
401(k) catch-up (age 50-59 or 64+) = $7,500 -> total $31,000
401(k) super catch-up (age 60-63) = $11,250 -> total $34,750
IRA base = $7,000; IRA catch-up (age 50+) = $1,000 -> total $8,000
The SECURE 2.0 Act replaced the standard $7,500 catch-up with a higher $11,250 for participants exactly in the 60-63 age bracket beginning in 2025. The standard $7,500 catch-up still applies at ages 50-59 and age 64 and above.
Making the most of catch-up contributions
- If you are behind on retirement savings, catch-up contributions are one of the most powerful tools available in your 50s and 60s.
- An extra $7,500 per year in a 401(k), invested for 10 years at 6% annual return, grows to over $98,000 in additional savings.
- Catch-up contributions to a Roth 401(k) or Roth IRA grow tax-free, making them particularly valuable if you expect higher taxes in retirement.
- Starting in 2026, high-income earners ($145,000+ in wages) must direct 401(k) catch-up contributions to Roth accounts per SECURE 2.0.
- Check your employer plan document to confirm catch-up contributions are allowed, as some plans may not permit them.
Frequently asked questions
What is a catch-up contribution?
A catch-up contribution is an additional amount that the IRS allows workers aged 50 and older to contribute to tax-advantaged retirement accounts beyond the standard annual limits. The purpose is to give people nearing retirement more opportunity to build their savings.
What are the 2025 catch-up contribution limits?
For 2025, the standard 401(k) catch-up is $7,500 (total deferral $31,000 for those age 50-59 and 64+). Under SECURE 2.0, workers aged 60-63 are eligible for a higher 'super catch-up' of $11,250 (total $34,750). The IRA catch-up is $1,000 (total $8,000 for age 50+).
What is the SECURE 2.0 super catch-up for ages 60-63?
SECURE 2.0 (enacted December 2022) created an enhanced catch-up contribution for 401(k), 403(b), and governmental 457(b) plan participants aged 60, 61, 62, and 63. For 2025, this super catch-up amount is $11,250, replacing the standard $7,500 catch-up for people in that age group.
Does the catch-up contribution apply to Roth 401(k) accounts?
Yes. The catch-up contribution applies to Roth 401(k) accounts as well as Traditional 401(k) accounts. Starting in 2026, high earners (income above $145,000) will be required to make catch-up contributions on a Roth basis per SECURE 2.0 provisions.
Are 403(b) and 457(b) plans eligible for catch-up contributions?
Yes. The 403(b) plan has the same $23,500 base limit and $7,500/$11,250 catch-up rules as the 401(k). Governmental 457(b) plans also allow catch-up contributions. Additionally, 403(b) plans have a separate 15-year service rule that allows an extra $3,000 per year (up to a lifetime limit of $15,000) for long-tenured employees of qualifying organizations.
Official sources
- IRS: Retirement Topics: Catch-Up Contributions
- IRS Rev. Proc. 2024-40: 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustments for Retirement Plans
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 15 June 2026. See our methodology.