Retirement Accounts
Covered by a 401(k) plan at work? Good news – the contribution limit went up in 2024.
Adam Cecil
Published November 27th, 2020
Updated December 28th, 2023
Adam Cecil
•
Published November 27th, 2020
•
Updated December 28th, 2023
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
The 401(k) contribution limit in 2024 is $23,000.
If you’re over the age of 50, you can contribute an additional $7,500.
Before deciding what to contribute this year, talk to a financial advisor about your savings options and whether or not it makes more sense to pay off debts.
Covered by a 401(k) plan at work? Good news – the contribution limit went up in 2024. The maximum you can contribute to a 401(k) plan in 2024 is $23,000. This goes for employees covered by 403(b) plans and most 457 plans, too.
401(k) retirement plans can be a great way to save for retirement. For starters, there are tax benefits. With a traditional 401(k), employees automatically choose a certain amount or percentage from their paycheck to put aside for retirement. This contribution is made before taxes are taken out of your paycheck, so your actual taxable income is reduced by the amount you put in your 401(k). Inside your 401(k), your money can be invested in a variety of stock and bond funds, and grows tax free.
Additionally, many employers match contributions up to a certain amount. For example, your employer may match a contribution of up to 3% of your paycheck. The total amount contributed to your 401(k) would then be 6% of your gross annual earnings. We suggest taking full advantage of any employer match that’s offered, as it’s free money that can easily double your retirement contributions at no cost to you.
When considering how much to contribute to your 401(k) plan, don’t forget to talk to your financial advisor about what the most efficient savings vehicle is to use, as well as how to balance paying down debts versus savings.
Catch up 401(k) contributions in 2024
Over the age of 50? You’re allowed to make what are called “catch up contributions” to your 401(k), 403(b), and 457 plans, which are extra amounts on top of the normal contribution limit. The maximum catch up contribution you can make is $7,500. This means that people over the age of 50 can contribute a total of $30,500 to their 401(k) plans in 2024.
Comparing 2024 and 2023 Contribution Limits
| Defined Contribution Plan Limits | 2024 | 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum employee elective deferral | $23,000 | $22,500 | +$500 |
| Employee catch-up contribution 50+ | $7,500 | $7,500 | +$0 |
| Defined contribution maximum limit | $69,000 | $66,000 | +$3,000 |
| Defined contribution maximum limit 50+ | $76,500 | $73,500 | +$3,000 |
| Employee compensation limit for calculating contributions | $345,000 | $330,000 | +$15,000 |
When can you withdraw money from a 401(k)?
401(k) contributions are intended to be used in retirement, so there are rules around when you are allowed to start withdrawing money from them. Generally, you have to be 59 ½ years old to start taking distributions from your 401(k). If you take money out earlier, you’ll owe a 10% fee on the withdrawal and the withdrawal will be taxed at your regular rate.
There is one big exception, however – if you’re 55 or older and you leave your job, whether because you quit or are laid off, you can take distributions from your 401(k) without penalty.
At some point in your retirement, you will be required to begin taking Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) withdrawals on your retirement accounts. This age varies depending on the year that you were born. For retirees born before July 1, 1949, IRA and 401(k) funds must be withdrawn by April 1 of the year following the calendar year in which you reach age 70 ½. For retirees born after July 1, 1949, the first required minimum distribution (RMD) of IRA or 401(k) funds must happen by April 1 of the year following the calendar year in which you reach age 72.
If you don’t, the amount you don’t withdraw is taxed at 50%, which is obviously not ideal. You are allowed to take out more than the Required Minimum Distribution, however – it is just a minimum. The Required Minimum Distribution is calculated for each account individually, and it’s up to the account holder to make sure they calculate it correctly.
Bottom Line
401(k) plans can be great ways for people to save for retirement, especially since many employers offer matching contributions. Talk to a financial advisor about how much you should contribute to your 401(k) plan this year. Make sure to balance savings versus paying down your debts, as debts can be more expensive in retirement than not having savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do employer contributions affect my 401(k) contribution limit?
Employer contributions do not count towards your individual contribution limit. The limit applies to the amount you elect to defer from your paycheck. However, there is a separate overall limit for total contributions (employee plus employer) to your 401(k).
Can I max out both a Roth and a traditional 401(k) in 2024?
You can contribute to both Roth and traditional 401(k) plans, but the combined contributions cannot exceed the annual contribution limit set by the IRS.
What happens if I exceed the 401(k) contribution limit?
Exceeding the contribution limit can result in tax penalties and the need to withdraw the excess contributions. It's crucial to monitor your contributions throughout the year to avoid this situation.
Share this advice
Adam Cecil is a freelance writer who has produced financial content for Retirable, Policygenius, and Donational, In his free time, he writes the weekly pop culture newsletter Night Water and produces independent fiction podcasts.
Understanding 401(k)s
401(k) Rules
Cashing Out your 401(k)
Understanding Roth 401(k)s
Roth IRA Basics
Share this advice
Adam Cecil is a freelance writer who has produced financial content for Retirable, Policygenius, and Donational, In his free time, he writes the weekly pop culture newsletter Night Water and produces independent fiction podcasts.
Free Retirement Consultation
Still have questions about how to properly plan for retirement? Speak with a licensed fiduciary for free.
