The IRS has released its updated contribution limits and inflation adjustments for 2026. While the changes aren’t dramatic, there are several important updates that may affect your retirement planning, charitable strategies, and estate considerations. At Platinum Wealth Management of Buckhead, we believe staying informed—before the year even begins—is one of the best ways to make confident financial decisions.
Below is a breakdown of what’s changing for 2026 and how it may apply to you.
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
For those continuing to save for retirement through a traditional or Roth IRA, contribution limits are receiving a modest boost.
IRA contribution limit: Increasing by $500, now $7,500
Catch-up contribution (age 50+): Increasing by $100, now $1,100
Total for age 50+:$8,600
Even small adjustments can add up over time—especially for clients committed to maximizing tax-advantaged savings.
Roth IRA Income Limits
Eligibility for Roth IRA contributions continues to expand with inflation-based adjustments.
Single filers / Heads of household:
Phase-out range increases to $153,000–$168,000Married filing jointly:
Phase-out increases to $242,000–$252,000Married filing separately:
Phase-out remains at $0–$10,000
If your income is trending upward or approaching these thresholds, now is a good time to revisit your Roth strategy.
Workplace Retirement Accounts (401(k), 403(b), 457, etc.)
Savers with employer-sponsored plans will see the biggest changes in 2026.
Employee contribution limit: Increasing by $1,000 to $24,500
Catch-up (age 50+):$8,000, for a total of $32,500
Special catch-up (ages 60–63):$11,250, raising the total to $35,750
These expanded limits provide an excellent opportunity for those nearing retirement to accelerate savings.
SIMPLE IRA Plans
Small businesses and their employees will also experience slight increases.
Contribution limit: Increasing to $17,000
Enhanced limit for certain plans: Up to $18,100 under SECURE Act 2.0 provisions
Other Noteworthy Adjustments
Annual Gift Exclusion
Increasing to $19,000 per recipient in 2026
This provides greater flexibility for families focused on intergenerational wealth transfer or strategic gifting.
Estate Tax Exclusion
The estate tax exemption amount will also rise in 2026.
This may impact estate planning strategies, especially for families with significant assets.
What This Means for You
These updates are part of the IRS’s annual inflation adjustments, but even modest increases can influence long-term planning. Whether you’re maximizing retirement contributions, evaluating gifting strategies, or preparing for future tax changes, now is a great time to assess how these adjustments fit into your larger financial picture.
At Platinum Wealth Management of Buckhead, we are here to help you navigate these changes with clarity and confidence.
A quick reminder: This information is provided for educational purposes only. Please consult with your tax professional before making any changes in anticipation of the 2026 limits. If you’d like help understanding how these updates affect your financial plan, our team is always here to assist.