SIMPLE IRA Calculator

2026

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

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated April 2026 · Source: IRS

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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: $17,000 employee deferral
  • Age 50+: $21,000 ($4,000 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

A SIMPLE IRA splits its annual savings into two streams: what you set aside from your paycheck and what your employer is required to add on top. Knowing the 2026 ceilings for each lets you fund the account fully while staying inside IRS limits, and it gives you a clear target to work toward over the course of the year.

Your contribution comes from elective deferrals, which max out at $17,600, for 2026. Workers aged 50 and over may add a catch-up contribution of $3,500, lifting their personal cap to $21,100. On the employer side, the company picks one of two paths: a dollar-for-dollar match of up to 3% of your compensation, or a flat 2% non-elective contribution tied to your pay regardless of whether you defer anything.

Because the employer portion sits outside your personal deferral cap, it stacks on top of your own savings rather than eating into them. Watch the distinction between a SIMPLE IRA and a 401(k) or a Traditional or Roth IRA, since each carries its own thresholds that don't transfer. Confirm which formula your employer uses, match versus non-elective, before you run the numbers, because the two produce different totals.

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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