Human Resources shares IRS retirement contribution limits for 2026

Annually, the IRS determines retirement plan contribution limits for the upcoming year. For 2026, the 403(b) and 457(b) voluntary plan contribution maximum is $24,500.

For both voluntary plans, employees who are at least 50 years old during the calendar year may make additional catch-up contributions. For 2026, the maximum catch-up contribution to either voluntary plan is $8,000 — an increase of $500 from the 2025 limit.

To access account information and make changes, including voluntary contribution updates, log onto Fidelity NetBenefits.

Fidelity retirement planners are available for one-on-one meetings in person and virtually at no cost to employees and are committed to helping employees understand their retirement programs and options. To make an appointment, call 800-642-7131 or schedule online via NetBenefits.

Reminder: In 2011, Fidelity became Purdue’s official provider of education, guidance and assistance related to retirement plan investments and decisions.

Note: For those with pre-2011 retirement funds in a TIAA account, or other tax-deferred annuity vendors in place prior to the 2011 transition, similar services for those plans remain available from those vendors. Employees hired prior to 2013 with Public Employees Retirement Fund plans may also continue to receive assistance from the Indiana Public Retirement System.

Other organizations may reach out to Purdue employees by phone or email to advertise retirement services and imply they serve Purdue’s retirement programs in an official capacity. However, the university does not have business relationships with, nor does it endorse, other financial advisors, including those who state they are “associated with” Fidelity.

Employees who receive unsolicited communications from other organizations are advised to clearly inform the callers that they wish to be removed from the call list. Faculty and staff should also remain vigilant of targeted spam email they may receive from unknown or unfamiliar organizations offering retirement planning services.