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Secure Your Future: 2026 Contribution Limits


What Dentists Need to Know


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If you’re a dentist running your own practice, retirement planning isn’t something you can leave to chance. Retirement planning can be complex, and the changes from the SECURE 2.0 Act add even more moving parts, but there’s good news in the shifting rules. The updated limits may allow you to save more and take advantage of additional tax savings.  


Key Highlights for 2026 


You may have access to a “super catch-up” contribution that is significantly higher than the normal catch-up contributions that can be made at age 50 and beyond, a substantial increase to consider for dentists in their peak earning years. 

 

If your W-2 income is $150,000 or more, all catch-up contributions to 401(k) plans must be made after-tax into a Roth account.

 

If you use a SIMPLE IRA, the deferral limits vary depending on whether you have more or fewer than 25 employees. Practice owners shouldn’t assume their limit matches another practice.



Why this Matters for Dentists 


If you’re busy in your practice, unintentionally underfunding or misallocating retirement contributions can happen, especially when some of the new rules may feel complicated to implement for your situation. Failing to adjust now could mean: 


  • Missing out on tax-advantaged savings 


  • Paying more in taxes than necessary 


  • Retiring later than you’d like 



A Clear Path Forward 


  1. Understand the new limits - Start with this detailed article that breaks down the new 2026 limits. 


  2. Assess whether you’re maximizing your opportunities to save and in order to help reach your financial goals. 


  3. Schedule a complimentary consultation - To help take advantage of the strategies available to you. 


Your retirement plan can be one of your most powerful wealth-building tools, let us help you make sure it’s working as hard as you are. 




Individual Retirement Account (IRA) Contribution Limits: 


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SIMPLE IRA Contribution Limits (if you have over 25 employees): 


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SIMPLE IRA Contribution Limits (if you have 25 or less employees): 


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SIMPLE IRA Contribution Example:  


Please see the example below for maximum contributions for dentists of various ages in a practice with 25 or fewer employees (not including employer contributions). This example is for illustrative purposes only. 


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401(k) Deferral Limits: 


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401(k) Deferral & Profit-Sharing Plan Contribution Limits: 


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Health Savings Account (HSA) Contribution Limits:


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Annual Gift Tax Exclusion: 


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Sources:



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