Key Tax and Financial Planning Numbers for 2026

  • Tillman Hartley

Every year, the IRS revises contribution limits, income thresholds, and other planning benchmarks that affect retirement savings, tax strategy, gifting, and long-term planning. These changes determine how much you can set aside, how income is taxed, and where you may find new planning opportunities in the year ahead. Here are the key tax and financial planning numbers for 2026.

2026 Retirement Plan Numbers

Qualified Plans and IRAs

Several retirement plan limits are increasing with inflation in 2026, creating more flexibility than in 2025.

  • The elective deferral limit for 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), and SAR-SEP plans is $24,500, up from $23,500 in 2025.
  • The age 50+ catch-up contribution is $8,000, increasing from $7,500 in 2025.
  • The “super catch-up” limit for ages 60–63 remains $11,250 in 2026 due to new OBBBA rules separating standard and age-based catch-ups.
  • The defined contribution annual additions limit (415(c)) rises to $72,000 (from $70,000).
  • The defined benefit annual benefit limit (415(b)) increases to $290,000 (from $280,000).
  • SIMPLE IRA deferral limit is $17,000, up from $16,500.
  • SIMPLE IRA catch-up (50+) is $4,000 (up from $3,500).
  • SIMPLE IRA additional catch-up for ages 60–63 remains $5,250.
  • Annual IRA and Roth IRA contribution limit increases to $7,500 (from $7,000), and the age-50+ catch-up increases to $1,100 (from $1,000).

IRA Phaseouts and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)

The following income phaseouts determine who can take a traditional IRA deduction and who can contribute directly to a Roth IRA in 2026.

Traditional IRA deduction phaseouts for active plan participants rise to:

  • $81,000–$91,000 for single/head of household.
  • $129,000–$149,000 for married filing jointly.
  • $0–$10,000 for married filing separately.

Roth IRA contribution phaseouts increase to:

  • $153,000–$168,000 for single/head of household.
  • $242,000–$252,000 for married filing jointly.
  • $0–$10,000 for married filing separately.

Additionally, the annual QCD exclusion limit for IRA owners over age 70½ rises to $111,000 in 2026.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

HSA and HDHP limits also increase for 2026, affecting tax-advantaged healthcare savings.

  • Minimum HDHP deductibles: $1,700 single / $3,400 family.
  • HDHP maximum out-of-pocket: $8,500 single / $17,000 family.
  • HSA contribution limits: $4,400 single / $8,750 family.
  • HSA catch-up contribution (age 55+): $1,000.

2026 Estate, Gift, and GST Tax Numbers

Higher federal estate, lifetime gift, and GST exemptions create additional opportunities for long-term legacy planning in 2026.

  • The annual gift tax exclusion remains at $19,000 per recipient.
  • The exclusion for gifts to a non-U.S. citizen spouse increases to $194,000.
  • The federal estate, lifetime gift, and GST exemption rises significantly to $15,000,000, up from $13,990,000 in 2025.
  • The top federal estate, gift, and GST tax rate remains 40%.

2026 Income Tax Deductions, AMT, and QBI

Several key deduction amounts and thresholds are slightly higher in 2026.

  • The special senior (65+) exemption is $6,000, with phaseouts beginning at MAGI $75,000 single $150,000 joint.
  • The standard deduction increases to:
    • $32,200 for married filing jointly (up from $30,000).
    • $24,150 for head of household (up from $22,500).
    • $16,100 for single and married filing separately (up from $15,000).
    • The dependent standard deduction is the greater of $1,350 or earned income + $450, capped at $16,100.
  • The top ordinary income tax rate remains 37%.
  • The maximum AMT rate remains 28%, with the 26% lower rate applying below AMTI thresholds.
  • AMT exemptions generally increase to:
    • $90,100 for single/HOH with phaseout at $500,000–$680,200.
    • $140,200 for MFJ/surviving spouse with phaseout at $1,000,000–$1,280,000.
    • $70,100 for MFS with phaseout at $500,000–$640,200.
    • $31,400 for trusts/estates with phaseout at $104,800–$167,600.
  • QBI (199A) phaseout ranges rise to:
    • $403,500–$553,500 for married filing jointly.
    • $201,775–$276,775 for single/head of household.
    • $201,750–$276,750 for married filing separately.

2026 Capital Gains and Net Investment Income Surtax

The long-term capital gain thresholds are also shifting with inflation for 2026, affecting how investment income is taxed.

  • Married filing jointly: 0% up to $98,900; 15% up to $613,700; 20% above $613,700.
  • Head of household: 0% up to $66,200; 15% up to $579,600; 20% above $579,600.
  • Single: 0% up to $49,450; 15% up to $545,500; 20% above $545,500.
  • Married filing separately: thresholds align proportionally.
  • Estates and trusts: 0% up to $3,300; 15% up to $16,250; 20% above $16,250.

In addition, the 3.8% net investment income surtax (NIIT) applies to those with modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) above:

  • $200,000 for single/HOH.
  • $250,000 for married filing jointly.
  • $125,000 for married filing separately.
  • $16,000 for estates and trusts.

It’s important to note that NIIT thresholds aren’t indexed to inflation, so they don’t change year to year.

2026 Social Security and Medicare Numbers

Social Security

Social Security figures for 2026 reflect modest cost-of-living adjustments.

  • The Social Security COLA is 2.8%.
  • The maximum monthly benefit at full retirement age rises to $4,152.
  • Earnings test thresholds rise slightly to:
    • $24,480 before FRA; benefits reduced $1 for every $2 above this amount.
    • $65,160 in the year of FRA; benefits reduced $1 for every $3 above this level.
    • No earnings limit once full retirement age is reached.

Medicare Premiums

Medicare premiums also change in 2026, with updated ranges for Parts A, B, and D.

  • Medicare Part A monthly premium ranges from $311–$565, though most beneficiaries continue to pay $0.
  • Medicare Part B monthly premiums range from $202.90–$689.90, depending on income brackets.
  • Part D income-related adjustments range from $0–$91 in addition to plan premiums.

Use These Key Tax and Financial Planning Numbers to Take Control of Your Finances in 2026

Understanding these updated limits gives you a clear framework for decision-making in the year ahead. Use this article as a reference throughout the year to save with purpose, manage income more efficiently, and identify planning opportunities before deadlines arrive.

Remember, you don’t have to navigate these decisions alone. If you’d like help understanding how these updates apply to your personal financial plan, we’re here to support you. Contact us to start shaping a more intentional financial strategy for 2026.

 

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