What is the 2026 limit on employee contributions to a 401(k)?
Answer$24,500
It rose from $23,500 in 2025, and workers 50 and older can add an $8,000 catch-up contribution.
Source: Internal Revenue Service irs.gov
Money · Facts & sources
401(k) facts & stats
6 sourced facts about 401(k) retirement plans, each with the context behind the number. 4 more are in today's round and appear here after it closes.
The basics
In what year did Congress pass the tax law that led to the 401(k)?
Answer1978 (the Revenue Act)
The Revenue Act of 1978 changed the tax code; benefits consultant Ted Benna is known as the 'father of the 401(k).'
Source: CNBC (2017) cnbc.com
Going deeper
What was the average total 401(k) savings rate (employee plus employer) at Fidelity in Q2 2026?
Answer14.4%
Employees contributed a record 9.6% of pay on average, and employers added 4.8%.
Source: Fidelity, Q2 2026 Retirement Analysis about.fidelity.com
Expert level
How much can workers aged 60 to 63 add as a higher 'super catch-up' 401(k) contribution in 2026?
Answer$11,250
This higher catch-up for ages 60–63 applies instead of the standard $8,000, under changes from the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022.
Source: Internal Revenue Service irs.gov
What share of Vanguard plan participants took a hardship withdrawal in 2025?
Answer6%
Hardship withdrawals rose modestly, while 13% of participants had a loan outstanding at year-end.
Source: Vanguard How America Saves 2026, via 401k Specialist (2025) 401kspecialistmag.com
How much money was held in U.S. 401(k) plans at the end of 2025?
Answer$10.1 trillion
Total U.S. retirement assets reached $49.1 trillion, 34% of all household financial assets.
Source: Investment Company Institute (2025) prnewswire.com
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