Retirement Account Limits Cheat Sheet (2025)
2025 Contribution Limits at a Glance
| Account Type | Under 50 | Age 50+ | Age 60–63 (Super Catch-Up) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 401(k) / 403(b) / 457 | $23,500 | $31,000 (+$7,500) | $34,750 (+$11,250) |
| Traditional IRA | $7,000 | $8,000 (+$1,000) | $8,000 |
| Roth IRA | $7,000 | $8,000 (+$1,000) | $8,000 |
| SIMPLE IRA | $16,500 | $20,000 (+$3,500) | $21,750 (+$5,250) |
| SEP IRA | $70,000 or 25% of comp | Same (no catch-up) | Same |
| HSA (Self-only) | $4,300 | $5,300 (+$1,000) | $5,300 |
| HSA (Family) | $8,550 | $9,550 (+$1,000) | $9,550 |
Employer Match and Total Limits
| Limit | 2025 Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 401(k) total (employee + employer) | $70,000 | Includes employee deferrals, employer match, and after-tax contributions |
| 401(k) total (age 50+) | $77,500 | Total limit + catch-up |
| Defined benefit plan max benefit | $280,000/year | Maximum annual benefit at retirement from a pension plan |
| Highly Compensated Employee (HCE) threshold | $160,000 | Earners above this are HCEs; affects nondiscrimination testing |
| Key Employee threshold | $230,000 | For top-heavy plan testing |
Roth IRA Income Phaseouts (2025)
| Filing Status | Full Contribution | Partial Contribution | No Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single / HOH | MAGI < $150,000 | $150,000 – $165,000 | MAGI > $165,000 |
| Married Filing Jointly | MAGI < $236,000 | $236,000 – $246,000 | MAGI > $246,000 |
| Married Filing Separately | $0 | $0 – $10,000 | MAGI > $10,000 |
Traditional IRA Deduction Phaseouts (2025)
If you or your spouse is covered by a workplace retirement plan:
| Scenario | Full Deduction | Partial Deduction | No Deduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single, covered by plan | MAGI < $79,000 | $79,000 – $89,000 | MAGI > $89,000 |
| MFJ, contributor covered | MAGI < $126,000 | $126,000 – $146,000 | MAGI > $146,000 |
| MFJ, spouse covered (you’re not) | MAGI < $236,000 | $236,000 – $246,000 | MAGI > $246,000 |
| Not covered by any plan | No limit | — | — |
Account Type Comparison
| Feature | Traditional 401(k) / IRA | Roth 401(k) / IRA |
|---|---|---|
| Tax on contributions | Pre-tax (deductible) | After-tax (not deductible) |
| Tax on growth | Tax-deferred | Tax-free |
| Tax on withdrawals | Taxed as ordinary income | Tax-free (if qualified) |
| RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions) | Start at age 73 (75 after 2032) | Roth 401(k): yes; Roth IRA: none during owner’s lifetime |
| Best for | High earners expecting lower tax rate in retirement | Those expecting same or higher rate in retirement |
Key Takeaways
- 401(k) limit is $23,500 in 2025; $31,000 with catch-up (age 50+); $34,750 with super catch-up (age 60–63)
- Roth IRA phases out at $150K–$165K (single) and $236K–$246K (MFJ) — use Backdoor Roth above these
- HSA is the most tax-efficient account: tax-deductible in, tax-free growth, tax-free out for medical expenses
- The total 401(k) limit including employer match is $70,000 — enabling Mega Backdoor Roth strategies
- New super catch-up provisions (ages 60–63) allow an extra $11,250 in 401(k) contributions starting in 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the super catch-up contribution for ages 60–63?
Starting in 2025, individuals aged 60 through 63 can make an enhanced catch-up contribution of $11,250 (instead of the standard $7,500) to their 401(k), 403(b), or 457 plan. This brings the total limit to $34,750 for those four years. The provision was created by SECURE 2.0 to help people boost retirement savings during their peak earning years before retirement.
Can I contribute to both a 401(k) and an IRA?
Yes. The 401(k) and IRA have separate contribution limits. You can contribute $23,500 to your 401(k) and $7,000 to an IRA in 2025. However, your Traditional IRA deduction may be reduced or eliminated if you’re covered by a workplace plan and your income exceeds the phaseout thresholds. Roth IRA contributions have their own income phaseouts.
What is the Backdoor Roth IRA?
The Backdoor Roth is a two-step strategy for high earners who exceed Roth IRA income limits. First, contribute $7,000 to a non-deductible Traditional IRA. Then, convert that IRA to a Roth IRA. There’s no income limit on Roth conversions, so this effectively lets anyone fund a Roth IRA regardless of income. Watch out for the pro-rata rule if you have existing pre-tax IRA balances.
Why is the HSA considered the best tax-advantaged account?
The HSA is the only account that offers a triple tax advantage: contributions are tax-deductible, investments grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free. After age 65, you can withdraw for any purpose (taxed as income, like a Traditional IRA). No other account offers tax-free treatment at all three stages.
When do Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) start?
Under current law, RMDs begin at age 73 for Traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, and other pre-tax retirement accounts. Starting in 2033, the age increases to 75. Roth IRAs have no RMDs during the owner’s lifetime, making them excellent for estate planning. Roth 401(k)s previously required RMDs but are now exempt starting in 2024.