Free local 2026 planning check

Set a steady 401(k) pace.

Enter what you have already deferred this year and the paychecks still to come. Get a simple per-paycheck amount to discuss with your benefits portal.

1 · Describe your contribution timing

Age at the end of 2026Under 502026 basic elective-deferral limit50–59 or 64+Includes the $8,000 2026 catch-up when your plan permits it60–63Includes the $11,250 higher 2026 catch-up when your plan permits it

Employee deferrals already made in 2026Traditional + Roth 401(k) employee deferrals

Paychecks remaining this yearWhole upcoming payroll runs

A pacing aid, not plan administration

Use your plan's actual rules.

This tool divides the remaining 2026 employee elective-deferral amount by the whole number of paychecks you enter. It uses the IRS's $24,500 basic 2026 limit. The selected higher amounts add the IRS catch-up limit of $8,000 at age 50 or older, or $11,250 at ages 60–63.

A plan can set a lower limit, may not permit catch-up contributions, and can apply its own eligible-pay, election-timing, matching, payroll, and correction rules. Contributions across plans can also need to be aggregated. This does not estimate taxes, take-home pay, employer match, investment results, withdrawal treatment, eligibility, or legal and financial outcomes.

Check the IRS 401(k) contribution limits ↗