Use case · IRS limits for 2026 · Updated October 2, 2026
How much can I contribute to the TSP in 2026?
Direct answer
In 2026 the elective deferral limit is $24,500 for traditional and Roth combined — about $942.31 on a 26-pay-period calendar. Catch-up adds $8,000 at ages 50–59 and 64 or older, or $11,250 at ages 60–63. Your elective deferrals plus agency contributions share a $72,000 annual-additions cap. Catch-up sits on top of the $24,500.
2026 limits
| Limit | 2026 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Employee contributions (traditional + Roth) | $24,500 | $23,500 |
| Catch-up, ages 50–59 and 64+ | $8,000 | $7,500 |
| Catch-up, ages 60–63 | $11,250 | $11,250 |
| Total with catch-up, age 50+ | $32,500 | $31,000 |
| Total with catch-up, ages 60–63 | $35,750 | $34,750 |
| Annual additions (you + agency) | $72,000 | $70,000 |
Sources used by the calculator: TSP Bulletin 25-3 and IRS Notice 2025-67. On 26 pay periods, $32,500 is $1,250.00 and $35,750 is $1,375.00.
Maxing out from 30 to 60
The calculator’s max-out example contributes the $24,500 limit every year from age 30 to 60, adds catch-up from 50, and keeps the full agency contribution on a $120,000 salary with 2% raises. At 7% the balance is about $3,219,835 ($1,535,033 in today's dollars): $815,000 from you and $243,408 from the agency. In year one the employee deferral is already at the $24,500 cap, and the agency adds $6,000.
Limits
- If you earned over $150,000 in 2025, 2026 catch-up contributions must be Roth.
- This projection keeps the 2026 dollar caps flat. TSP and the IRS usually raise them.
- These figures are for planning. Your payroll system and TSP statement set the amount that actually posts.
Use the calculator
The 5% formula: how the TSP match works. Growth examples: how much will my TSP grow? Model your own cap in the TSP growth calculator.