Employer 401(k) Match
retirementAlso known as: 401(k) match, employer match, employer contribution
Updated · Written and reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev
Detailed explanation
Always contribute enough to get the full match — it is an immediate 100% return. Match counts toward the IRS overall annual limit ($70,000 in 2026 combined employer + employee), NOT the $23,500 employee deferral limit. Match is typically vested over 3-6 years (immediate for Safe Harbor plans). After-tax contributions enable the "mega backdoor Roth" if your plan allows in-service withdrawals. SECURE 2.0 added: starting 2026, employers may match Roth contributions (previously employer match was always pre-tax even if employee contribution was Roth) and may match student-loan payments dollar-for-dollar.
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