Catch-up contributions allow people aged 50 or older to make additional contributions on top of the annual deferral limit for all employer-sponsored retirement accounts. This includes pre-tax and Roth contributions to 401(k), 403(b), Starter 401(k), SAR-SEP, and SIMPLE IRA plans. The annual catch-up contribution limits may be adjusted annually by the IRS to account for cost-of-living increases.
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The extra contributions are intended to help those nearing retirement catch up and set aside more earnings.
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If you are over the age of 50, you can contribute an additional $7,500 in 2024 across all employer-sponsored plans.

Starting in 2025, in a standard 401(k) plan, your catch-up limit will vary depending on what age you turned that year. For 2025, the catch up limit will be:

For a Starter 401(k) plan, catch-up contributions are limited to $1,000 for that specific plan. Note that the extended catch-up does not apply to Starter 401(k) plans.

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However, the standard limit would apply across all your retirement accounts, if you contribute to more than one plan. For example, say you had a standard 401(k) with a previous employer but switched jobs mid-year, and the new employer offers a Starter 401(k) plan. In this case, you'd be able to contribute an extra $1,000 in your new Starter 401(k) plan specifically, but up to the standard catch-up limit based on your age in total across both accounts.

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