Every year, actuarial firms start forecasting the next year's IRS retirement plan limits months before the IRS itself confirms them — typically in October or November. For 2027, those forecasts have already shifted once as new inflation data came in. Here's the latest projection, broken down by age band, plus a free 2027 401(k) & IRA contribution limits calculator to see exactly what it means for you.
2027 401k limit projected: the number that moved
As of Milliman's most recent "near-final" forecast (published August 2026, based on July 2026 CPI data), the projected 2027 401(k)/403(b)/457 elective deferral limit is $25,500, up from the confirmed 2026 limit of $24,500. That's a change from earlier in the year — a March 2026 forecast from the same firm had projected only $25,000. The difference comes down to which months of actual inflation data were available when each forecast was run; as more real CPI readings came in through the summer, the projection was revised upward.
2027 IRA contribution limit forecast: two scenarios, not one
Unlike the 401(k) limit, the IRA limit only moves in $500 increments, and forecasters are genuinely split on where 2027 lands. Some project it stays flat at $7,500 (the confirmed 2026 amount); others, using more recent CPI data, project it crosses the threshold to $8,000. Rather than pick one and imply false certainty, our calculator shows both. The IRA catch-up contribution for savers 50 and older is expected to hold steady at $1,100.
2027 catch-up contribution 60 to 63: the "super catch-up"
A SECURE 2.0 provision lets workers who turn 60, 61, 62, or 63 during the plan year make a larger catch-up contribution than the standard age-50-plus catch-up. For 2027, that's projected at $11,750 (up from $11,250 in 2026) — versus a projected $8,500 for the standard catch-up used by everyone else 50 and older. Stack that $11,750 on top of the $25,500 base limit and a worker in that four-year window could defer up to $37,250 into a 401(k) in 2027, projected.
Why this isn't the official number yet
The IRS calculates these limits from Q3 (July-September) inflation data and typically announces them in late October or early November. Until that notice is published, every 2027 figure you see anywhere — including this page — is a forecast from an outside actuarial or advisory firm, not a government figure. We'll update this calculator with the confirmed IRS numbers as soon as they're announced.
Try the 2027 401(k) & IRA Contribution Limits Calculator → · Want this year's confirmed numbers instead? See the 401(k) Calculator.
Sources: Milliman, "2027 IRS Limits Forecast – July" (published 2026-08-13, based on July 2026 CPI data); thefinancebuff.com, "401k, 403b, 457, IRA Contribution Limits"; multiple 2027 IRA-limit forecasts cross-checked (2026-09). This is general information, not tax or financial advice — confirm final figures with the IRS once announced.
