Tax Playbook · Keep more of each paycheck
Max out pre-tax retirement accounts
Put money in a 401(k) before taxes are taken out, and you skip paying tax on it this year. In 2026 you can put in up to $24,500 — in the 24% bracket that's about $5,900 less in federal tax. Age 50+ can add $8,000 more ($11,250 at ages 60–63). One wrinkle: if you earned over $150,000 last year, your 2026 catch-up has to go into a Roth instead.
Good for: Anyone with a regular paycheck — the higher your tax bracket, the bigger the win.
Learn the basics
Recent articles & guides
- IRS — 2026 contribution limits announcement
- IRS — 401(k) and profit-sharing contribution limits
- Motley Fool — 2026 contribution limits explainer
- IRAHelp (Ed Slott) — 2026 dollar limits breakdown
On this site
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Educational summary, not tax advice. Limits and rules change — confirm current law with your tax adviser.