November 4, 2026
Workers who contribute to a 401(k) may soon get room to save more. Final forecasts from retirement-plan consultants Milliman and Marsh match, and both expect the 2027 limit for 401(k), 403(b) and 457 plans to rise by $1,000, from $24,500 this year to $25,500.
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Important: It Is Not Official Yet
The IRS has not yet announced the 2027 retirement-plan limits, which typically happens around November. For reference, the 2026 limits were published on November 13, 2025, and the 2025 limits on November 1, 2024. Everything below is a forecast until the IRS confirms the numbers.
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What the Forecast Says
The catch-up contribution for workers age 50 and over is also expected to rise, from $8,000 to $8,500. Put simply, if the forecast holds, a worker under 50 could contribute up to $25,500 in 2027, and one 50 or older up to $34,000 (our calculation).
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A Number That Is Already Official
In early June, the IRS announced the 2027 Health Savings Account limit for self-only high-deductible coverage: $4,500, up $100 from $4,400 in 2026.
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What Maxing Out Would Look Like
Contributing the full forecast amount of $25,500 works out to about $2,125 a month, or roughly $981 per paycheck for someone paid every two weeks (our calculation). Most people do not max out their plans, and the limit applies to the combined total of traditional and Roth contributions.
One Mistake to Avoid
Do not set your contribution percentage based on a forecast. If you assume a $25,500 limit and the IRS confirms a lower figure, you risk an excess contribution that must be corrected by April 15 of the following year to avoid double taxation. Wait for the official announcement before maxing out in January.
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Don’t Forget the Employer Match
If your employer offers a match, contributing enough to capture it is often the highest-value step, whatever the limit.
This article is general information, not tax or investment advice.
Key Takeaways
Forecasters expect the 2027 401(k) limit to rise $1,000 to $25,500.
The IRS has not confirmed it, and usually announces in November.
The catch-up limit for age 50+ is forecast at $8,500.
The 2027 HSA limit of $4,500 is already official.
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