Catch-Up Contribution Calculator
Once you reach age 50 (or 55 for health savings accounts), the IRS allows you to make additional retirement contributions above the standard annual limits, known as catch-up contributions, designed to help workers accelerate retirement savings in the years before retirement. For 2025, the catch-up contribution limit for 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal Thrift Savings Plan is $7,500 per year on top of the standard $23,500 employee deferral limit, for a total of $31,000. For traditional and Roth IRAs, the catch-up amount is $1,000, bringing the total IRA limit to $8,000 for those 50 and older. For HSAs, the catch-up contribution is $1,000 for those 55 and older, on top of the regular family or self-only contribution limits. SIMPLE IRA participants aged 50 and older can contribute an additional $3,500 in catch-up contributions beyond the standard $16,500 deferral limit. Under the SECURE 2.0 Act, participants aged 60 through 63 in certain employer plans may qualify for an enhanced catch-up limit of $11,250 in 2025. This calculator shows the maximum allowable contribution for each account type based on your age, whether the standard or enhanced catch-up applies, the resulting tax saving at your marginal rate, and the projected long-term value of maximising catch-up contributions through retirement.
At age 55, you can contribute up to -- across all retirement accounts.
2025 Catch-up contribution limits
The following limits apply to tax year 2025 for individuals who were born by December 31 of the prior year.
401k, 403b, and 457 plans
- Standard deferral: $23,500
- Catch-up (age 50+): +$7,500 = $31,000 total
- SECURE 2.0 super catch-up (ages 60-63): +$11,250 instead of $7,500 = $34,750 total
Traditional and Roth IRA
- Standard contribution: $7,000
- Catch-up (age 50+): +$1,000 = $8,000 total
Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Self-only coverage: $4,300
- Family coverage: $8,550
- Catch-up (age 55+): +$1,000 total (not per account)
SIMPLE IRA
- Standard deferral: $16,500
- Catch-up (age 50+): +$3,500 = $20,000 total
- SECURE 2.0 super catch-up (ages 60-63): +$5,250 = $21,750 total
How to maximize your retirement savings with catch-up contributions
Catch-up contributions are one of the most valuable tax incentives available to later-career workers. By age 60, you may be approaching peak earning years while having fewer years until retirement. Maximizing catch-up contributions can significantly increase the balance available at retirement.
The total amount you can contribute to all accounts is not unlimited. For example, you cannot exceed the 401k limit by contributing more to an IRA. If your employer sponsors a 401k, your IRA deduction may also be limited by income. The calculator above shows the maximum for each account type separately. Consult with a tax professional to optimize your personal contribution strategy.
Tax-deductible contributions (to traditional 401k and IRA accounts) reduce your current-year taxable income. Roth contributions are made with after-tax dollars but provide tax-free withdrawals in retirement. Many workers find that a mix of traditional and Roth accounts provides flexibility in retirement, as Roth withdrawals do not count toward income thresholds that affect Medicare premiums or Social Security taxation.
Catch-up contributions: frequently asked questions
What is a catch-up contribution?
A catch-up contribution allows people aged 50 and older to save additional amounts beyond the standard annual limit in certain retirement accounts. This provision recognizes that later-career savers may have more disposable income and want to accelerate retirement savings. The IRS updates catch-up limits annually. Catch-up contributions are only available to individuals who have reached age 50 by December 31 of the tax year, as specified in IRS Publication 590-B.
What is the SECURE 2.0 super catch-up?
The SECURE 2.0 Act introduced a new super catch-up provision for employees aged 60 through 63. These individuals can contribute an additional $11,250 per year (in 2025) to eligible plans instead of the standard $7,500 catch-up. This higher limit is designed to help workers near retirement who may have accumulated less savings. The super catch-up is available for 401k, 403b, and 457 plans, but not IRAs. Details are in IRS Notice 2024-80.
Are catch-up contributions subject to income limits?
Traditional IRA catch-up contributions are subject to income limits if you or your spouse has an active workplace plan. If your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds the deductibility limit, your catch-up contributions may not be fully deductible. Roth IRA contributions (including catch-up) are subject to income phase-out limits. See IRS Publication 590-A for current limits and rules.
Can I use catch-up contributions in a solo 401k?
Yes, if you are self-employed and age 50 or older, you can make catch-up contributions to a solo 401k. The standard employee deferral limit is $23,500, plus catch-up of $7,500 (or $11,250 for ages 60-63 under SECURE 2.0), for a total of up to $31,000 (or $34,750). You can also make employer contributions up to the plan limit. See IRS Publication 560.
What happens if I exceed the catch-up limit?
If you contribute more than the IRS limit, the excess contributions are subject to a 6% excise tax each year they remain in the account. Your plan administrator must notify you if you have contributed too much. To avoid this, you should track your contributions carefully, especially if you work for multiple employers or manage a solo 401k. Many plans have safeguards to prevent over-contributions.
Do catch-up contributions reduce my tax liability?
Traditional catch-up contributions are generally tax-deductible in the year you make them, reducing your taxable income dollar-for-dollar. This can result in a substantial tax deduction. Roth catch-up contributions are made with after-tax dollars and do not reduce your current-year tax liability, but withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. See IRS Publication 590-A for deductibility rules.
Official sources
- 2025 catch-up limits and rules: IRS Rev Proc 2024-40.
- SECURE 2.0 super catch-up for ages 60-63: IRS Notice 2024-80.
- HSA limits and rules: IRS Publication 969.
- IRA contribution limits and deductibility: IRS Publication 590-A.
- 401k and solo 401k rules: IRS One-Participant 401k Plans.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 13 June 2026. See our methodology. General information, not financial advice.