2026 sources / Annual changelog
What changed for retirement planning in 2026
The changes that can alter a contribution, tax estimate, healthcare bridge, or retirement-income decision—separated from rules that merely stayed in force.
Retirement contribution limits were indexed upward
Effective for 2026The employee deferral is $24,500; the age-50 catch-up is $8,000. Ages 60–63 can use the larger $11,250 catch-up.
Planning response: Update payroll elections, especially if you turn 50, 60, or 64 this year.
Source: Internal Revenue Service — Notice 2025-67 — 2026 retirement plan cost-of-living adjustments. Verified 2026-07-11.
Higher earners must make catch-up contributions as Roth
Effective for 2026The SECURE 2.0 Roth catch-up rule is effective in 2026. It applies when prior-year FICA wages from the sponsoring employer exceed $150,000.
Planning response: Confirm that your plan and payroll system can accept Roth catch-up contributions.
Source: Internal Revenue Service — Notice 2025-67 — 2026 retirement plan cost-of-living adjustments. Verified 2026-07-11.
Social Security received its annual COLA
Effective for 2026Benefits rose 2.8%. The earnings-test limits are now $24,480 below full retirement age and $65,160 during the year you reach it.
Planning response: Refresh benefit estimates and withholding assumptions rather than reusing a 2025 statement.
Source: Social Security Administration — 2026 Social Security Changes (COLA fact sheet). Verified 2026-07-11.
Medicare premiums and thresholds changed
Effective for 2026The standard Part B premium is $202.90 per month and its deductible is $283. IRMAA still uses a 2-year income lookback.
Planning response: Model 2026 premiums and remember that a conversion this year can affect Medicare costs two years later.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services — 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles. Verified 2026-07-11.
The enhanced ACA credits expired and the subsidy cliff returned
Recheck before actingFor 2026 coverage, premium-tax-credit eligibility again ends above 400% of the federal poverty level. The approximate one-person threshold is $62,600.
Planning response: Recheck projected household income before conversions, capital gains, or large withdrawals—and verify the law again before acting.
Source: KFF — How will the loss of enhanced premium tax credits affect older adults?. Verified 2026-07-11.
Excess advance ACA credits no longer have a repayment cap
Recheck before actingBeginning with 2026 tax years, households may have to repay every dollar of excess advance premium tax credit, rather than relying on the old income-based repayment caps.
Planning response: Update marketplace income promptly when your income changes and keep a tax reserve.
Source: Internal Revenue Service — Rev. Proc. 2025-32 §3.04 and Fact Sheet FS-2025-10 (Q31). Verified 2026-07-11.
A cash charitable deduction returned for non-itemizers
Effective for 2026Eligible cash gifts can be deducted up to $1,000 for single filers or $2,000 for married couples filing jointly.
Planning response: Keep receipts even if you expect to take the standard deduction.
Source: Internal Revenue Service — Topic No. 506 — Charitable contributions. Verified 2026-07-14.
The Saver’s Match begins next year
Starts in 2027Starting in 2027, the Saver’s Credit is replaced by a government match of up to $1,000 deposited into a retirement account, subject to income limits.
Planning response: Treat this as a 2027 planning item; do not include it as a 2026 tax credit.
Source: Internal Revenue Service — Notice 2024-65 — Saver’s Match guidance and request for comments. Verified 2026-07-14.