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2026 401k, 457 and 403b Age-Catch Up Contributions Impacted By Secure 2.0 Act

Written by e Jackson

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Effective Jan. 1, 2026 the federal SECURE 2.0 Act required employers to change how they administer age-based catch-up contributions to State of Tennessee’s voluntary retirement plans- 401(K), 457(b), 403(b) for certain high-income participants. Age catch-up contributions starting in 2026 must be Roth (post-tax).

2026 Contribution Limits
  • The Standard annual contribution (under age 50) is $24,500.
  • The age-catch-up contribution (age 50 and older) increased to $8,000, which allows for a total annual contribution amount of $32,500.

Who is Impacted?

  • Employees who will be 50 and older in 2026.
  • Employed with UT in 2025 and earned $150,000 or more in FICA wages (Box 3 on the W2) in 2025.
  • Eligible employees who plan to contribute age-based catch-up contributions (any amount above $24,500) in 2026.

 

Please reach out to Ryan Marlin with Empower directly if you have more questions about these changes via email at [email protected] or by contacting the UT Benefits office at 901-448-8547.

 

*The ULPS plan is not impacted by this update.*