403(b) Calculator
The 403(b) is the 401(k)’s sibling for teachers, nurses, university staff and nonprofit workers — same tax deferral, same limits, often worse investment menus (watch for annuity wrappers). Project your balance and check your contribution against the 2026 limit of $24,500.
The 2026 403(b) contribution limit is $24,500. Age 50+ can add an $8,000 catch-up ($32,500 total); ages 60–63 get the SECURE 2.0 “super catch-up” of $11,250 ($35,750 total).
- 2026 elective deferral limit$24,500
- Catch-up, age 50++$8,000
- Super catch-up, ages 60–63+$11,250
- SourceIRS Notice 2025-67
Source: IRS Notice 2025-67 and the IRS 403(b) contribution limits page.
2026 contribution limits
| Who | Elective deferral | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Under 50 | $24,500 | $24,500 |
| 50–59 (and 64+) | $24,500 + $8,000 catch-up | $32,500 |
| Ages 60–63 (super catch-up) | $24,500 + $11,250 | $35,750 |
Long-tenured employees (15+ years with the same qualifying employer) may have an additional service-based catch-up — a 403(b)-only quirk; ask your plan administrator. Employer contributions sit on top of these employee limits, up to the overall additions cap in IRS Notice 2025-67.
The 403(b)-specific warning
K-12 403(b) menus are often sold, not chosen — high-fee variable annuities inside a retirement account add cost without adding tax benefit. If your menu has a low-cost index option or a 457(b) alternative, the projection above at 7% is far more achievable than at 7%-minus-2%-of-fees.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 403(b) contribution limit for 2026?
$24,500 in elective deferrals. Age 50+ adds an $8,000 catch-up; workers who turn 60–63 during 2026 can instead add $11,250 (SECURE 2.0 super catch-up). Per IRS Notice 2025-67.
403(b) vs 401(k) — what's the difference?
Same tax treatment and employee limits. 403(b)s serve schools, hospitals, and nonprofits; they can include a 15-year service catch-up, and their menus more often feature annuity products with higher fees.
Can I max both a 403(b) and a 457(b)?
Yes — they have separate limits, so a public-sector worker with both could defer $49,000 in 2026 before catch-ups. It's the best-kept secret in public-employee retirement planning.
Does the employer match count against my limit?
No. Your $24,500 limit covers only your own deferrals; employer money counts toward a separate, higher overall cap.
Sources & methodology
Sources: IRS Notice 2025-67 (2026 limits) · IRS 403(b) contribution limits.
Projection assumes steady salary, contributions and returns with monthly compounding — real sequences vary. Not investment advice.