08/27/2026
If you earned more than $150,000 in wages from your plan sponsor during 2025, your 2026 401(k) catch-up strategy may have changed. 💡
Under current IRS guidance, eligible catch-up contributions generally must be made as Roth contributions when your workplace plan offers a Roth feature. That means those dollars are contributed after tax: not pre-tax: creating a mid-year planning pivot for high earners.
For 2026, the standard catch-up limit is $8,000. If you turn 60–63 this year, the limit may be as high as $11,250. ✨
What should you do now?
✅ Confirm your prior-year wages with the plan sponsor
✅ Ask how your plan is applying the Roth catch-up rule
✅ Review your payroll deferrals, tax withholding, and cash flow
✅ Coordinate your retirement contributions with your broader tax strategy
Don’t wait until December to discover your strategy needs an adjustment. A thoughtful review now can help you build with purpose and protect more of what you work so hard to earn. 💎
Rules and plan provisions vary. This is educational information, not tax or legal advice. Schedule a free financial analysis at GibsonLFPLLC.com.