SIMPLE IRA Calculator

2026

Calculate SIMPLE IRA contributions with employer match. 2026 limit: $17,600 ($21,100 if 50+).
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%
Employer Contribution

Your Annual Contribution

$2,250.00

Employer Contribution

$2,250.00

Total Annual

$4,500.00

Projected Balance

$454,828.69

2026 SIMPLE IRA Limits

  • Under 50: $17,600 employee deferral
  • Age 50+: $21,100 ($3,500 catch-up)
  • Employer: 3% match or 2% non-elective

SIMPLE IRA vs 401(k) Comparison

SIMPLE IRA Balance at Retirement$454,828.69
401(k) Balance at Retirement$454,828.69
Difference$0.00

Growth Summary

Total Employee Contributions$67,500.00
Total Employer Contributions$67,500.00
Investment Growth$319,828.69
Projected Balance$454,828.69

Year-by-Year Projection

Age 35$4,815.00
Age 40$34,443.09
Age 45$75,998.03
Age 50$134,280.98
Age 55$216,025.83
Age 60$330,677.20
Age 64$454,828.69

Use the SIMPLE IRA Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

This SIMPLE IRA Calculator helps you determine your maximum allowable contributions for 2026, including any employer match. Understanding these limits is crucial for maximizing your retirement savings and ensuring compliance with IRS regulations. It allows you to plan effectively for your financial future by knowing how much you, and your employer, can contribute.

The calculator sums your elective deferral and your employer's mandatory contribution. For 2026, employee elective deferrals are capped at $17,600, with an additional catch-up contribution of $3,500 for those aged 50 and over, bringing their total to $21,100. The employer contribution is either a dollar-for-dollar match up to 3% of your compensation or a 2% non-elective contribution based on your compensation, whichever your employer chooses.

Remember that your employer's contribution is in addition to your own deferral and does not count towards your individual elective deferral limit. A common mistake is to confuse SIMPLE IRA limits with those of 401(k)s or Traditional/Roth IRAs, which have different contribution thresholds. Always verify your employer's specific contribution policy (match vs. non-elective) to ensure accurate calculations.

Example: Maximizing Your 2026 SIMPLE IRA Contributions

  1. 1 Sarah is 45 years old and earns $60,000 annually. Her employer offers a 3% dollar-for-dollar match on her SIMPLE IRA contributions. She wants to contribute the maximum possible for 2026.
  2. 2 Sarah's maximum elective deferral is $17,600. Her employer will match 3% of her compensation, which is 3% of $60,000 = $1,800. Therefore, her total contribution will be $17,600 (employee) + $1,800 (employer).
  3. 3 Sarah's total SIMPLE IRA contribution for 2026 will be $19,400.
  4. 4 This example shows how Sarah, by maximizing her personal contribution and taking full advantage of her employer's match, can significantly boost her retirement savings. Had Sarah been 50 or older, she could have contributed an additional $3,500.

Source: IRS · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SIMPLE IRA contribution limit for 2026?
The 2026 SIMPLE IRA employee contribution limit is $17,600, with a catch-up contribution of $3,500 for those age 50 or older (total $21,100). Employers must either match up to 3% or contribute 2% of compensation for all eligible employees.
What is the difference between a SIMPLE IRA and a 401(k)?
SIMPLE IRAs have lower contribution limits ($17,600 vs $24,500 for 401k in 2026) but are easier and cheaper to administer. SIMPLE IRAs are designed for businesses with 100 or fewer employees.
Can I roll over a SIMPLE IRA to a 401(k)?
Yes, but you must wait at least 2 years from your first SIMPLE IRA contribution before rolling over to a 401(k) or traditional IRA without a 25% early withdrawal penalty.

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