Core Insights - The SECURE 2.0 Act introduces a "super catch-up" contribution for individuals aged 60 to 63, allowing higher annual deferrals than the standard catch-up contributions, which many are unaware of [2][3][7] Contribution Limits - For 2026, the standard 401(k) deferral limit is set at $24,500, with an additional catch-up contribution of $8,000 for those aged 50 and older, totaling $32,500. The super catch-up limit for ages 60-63 is $11,250, raising the total to $35,750 [3][7] Financial Advantage - Over the four-year window, a surgeon maximizing the super catch-up can contribute $45,000 in catch-up contributions, compared to $30,000 under the regular catch-up, resulting in a $15,000 advantage before investment returns [4][7] Awareness and Action - Many physicians in the 60-63 age bracket are unaware of the super catch-up provision, and plan administrators often do not highlight it, leading to a default to the standard catch-up if no action is taken [5] Roth Requirement Changes - Starting January 1, 2026, employees aged 50 or older earning over $150,000 in W-2 wages must make catch-up contributions on a Roth basis, meaning all contributions will be after-tax, growing tax-free and being distributed tax-free in retirement [6][7] Implications for High Earners - The new Roth requirement particularly benefits high earners who expect to face higher tax rates in retirement or are subject to large Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and IRMAA Medicare surcharges [7]

Contribution Limits Changes - The IRS announced that contribution limits for 401(k) and 403(b) plans, as well as governmental 457 plans and the federal Thrift Savings Plan, will increase to $24,500 in 2026, up from $23,500 in 2025 [1] - The IRA contribution limit will rise to $7,500 in 2026 from $7,000 in 2025 [1] Catch-Up Contributions - Individuals aged 50 and older can contribute an additional $1,100 to their IRA starting in 2026, an increase from $1,000 in 2025, due to the SECURE 2.0 Act's cost-of-living adjustment [2] - For workers aged 50 and up participating in 401(k), 403(b), government 457 plans, and the federal Thrift Savings Plan, the catch-up contribution limit will increase to $8,000 in 2026 from $7,500 in 2025, raising their total contribution limit to $32,500 [5] - Workers aged 60 through 63 will have a higher catch-up contribution limit of $11,250, which remains unchanged in 2026 [6] Phase-Out Ranges for IRA Deductions - The phase-out range for single taxpayers covered by a workplace retirement plan will increase to between $81,000 and $91,000 in 2026, up from $79,000 to $89,000 in 2025 [9] - For married couples filing jointly, the phase-out range will increase to between $129,000 and $149,000 if the spouse making the IRA contribution is covered by a workplace retirement plan [12] Roth IRA Phase-Out Ranges - The phase-out range for individuals contributing to a Roth IRA will rise in 2026 to between $153,000 and $168,000 for singles and heads of household, an increase of $3,000 [13] - For married filers, the phase-out range will increase to between $242,000 and $252,000 in 2026, an increase of $6,000 [13] Expert Commentary - A national director of strategic wealth and business advisory noted that the new 2026 retirement plan limits provide more room for savings, which is beneficial as retirement becomes longer and more expensive [15]