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What is a 401(k) Contribution Limit?

By ShareBuilder 401k

Key Takeaways

  • 401(k)-contribution limits are set by the IRS to state how much money an individual and employer are allowed to put into their 401(k) savings account.
  • The total contribution limit in 2024 is $69,000. This includes both employee contributions and employer contributions combined.
  • The 401(k)-employee contribution limit in 2024 is $23,000.
  • A catch-up contribution is a type of retirement contribution that allows those 50 years old or older to make additional contributions to their 401(k) account. This is to help individuals who are closer to retirement age save more for their future.
  • If you're over the age of 50, you can make an annual "catch-up" contribution of $7,500. This increases the total contribution limit to $76,500.
  • Solo 401k plans users have more flexibility in determining the total amount to contribute each year as they are both the employer and employee.

What is a 401(k) Contribution Limit?
A 401(k)-contribution limit is set by the IRS to state on how much an individual and employer are allowed to put into an employee’s 401(k) savings account. These limits are set to account for inflation, cost of living, and other factors. For 2024 the contribution limit is $23,000 for an employee, and an employer contribution can bring the total contribution up to $69,000.

What is a Catch-up Contribution Limit?
A catch-up contribution is a type of retirement contribution that allows those 50 or older to make additional contributions to their 401(k) plan. If you're 50 or older, you're allowed to make an annual "catch-up" contribution of $7,500 on top of the annual allowed limit. This is to help individuals who are closer to retirement age save more for their future.

2023 vs 2024 Contribution Limits

401(k) Limits for 2024    
  2024 2023
Employee contribution limit $23,000 $22,500
Annual limit per individual $69,000 $6,000
Age 50+ catch-up amount $7,500 $7,500
Annual compensation limit $345,000 $330,000
Highly compensated employees $155,000 $150,000

401(k) employee contribution limits increase in 2024 to $23,000 from $22,500 in 2023. Those over 50 years of age can make additional catch-up contributions of $7,500 per year (that's up to $30,500 per year in total before any employer match) to their 401(k) accounts.

Most 401(k) plans allow Roth 401(k) contributions. Employees may choose to put some, none, or all contributions into the Roth 401(k) or Traditional tax-deferred option. Do know that all employer matches or contributions must be provided on a tax-deferred basis. Separately, IRA limits remain the same as last year.

Solo 401(k) Contribution Limits 2024
A solo 401(k), also known as an Individual 401(k), is a retirement plan for self-employed business owners and their spouses. This type of retirement plan allows you to contribute to the plan as both the employer and employee, providing you with the ability to maximize contributions and business deductions while lowering your personal taxes.

Like other 401(k) plan types, those with a Solo 401(k), the annual contribution limit per individual is $69,000. However, as the owner is both the employer and employee, it can be simpler to manage how much you choose to contribute in each role.

Solo 401(k) Contribution Limits vs IRA Contribution Limits

  401(k) IRA
Annual limit per individual $69,000
(employee + employer contributions)
$7,000
Age 50+ catch-up amount $7,500 $1,000
Roth income limit None $161K*
Penalty-free access, if needed Yes, via a loan No

*Beginning at $146K, the amount you are allowed to contribute begins to decrease, hitting $0 at $161K for singles (range is $230K to $240K for married couples filing jointly)

Here are a few more resources that you may find helpful:

2024 401(k) Max Contribution Limits and More
401(k) Savings Advantages
401(k) Advantages over SEP and SIMPLE IRAs

If you need help or have questions, just give us a ring at 1-800-431-7934.


Meet the Author

Our low-cost 401k plans are easy to setup online and are supported by our 401k advisors and specialists. ShareBuilder 401k serves small business and medium-sized companies, as well as the self-employed. We offer Roth 401k, Safe Harbor 401k, Traditional 401k, and Solo 401k options. Your 401k plan is paired with investment management expertise and employee education to help you save more.