Updated October 1, 2026. Quick answer: The 2026 Thrift Savings Plan elective deferral limit is $24,500. The catch-up limit is $8,000 for participants 50 and older and $11,250 for ages 60 to 63, and the annual additions limit is $72,000. The $24,500 applies to the combined total of traditional and Roth contributions.
The TSP’s own returns for every fund, from its monthly data: TSP fund performance by fund and period.
2026 TSP limits
| Limit | 2026 amount |
|---|---|
| Elective deferral limit | $24,500 |
| Catch-up limit | $8,000 |
| Higher catch-up limit, ages 60 to 63 | $11,250 |
| Annual additions limit | $72,000 |
| Total with the catch-up, age 50 and over (computed) | $32,500 |
| Total with the higher catch-up, ages 60 to 63 (computed) | $35,750 |
The TSP page lists the “2026 IRS contribution limits” and says “This limit applies to the combined total of traditional and Roth contributions.” The two totals are computed here from the sourced limits.
What the limits do not include
The TSP says the elective deferral limit “does not include matching contributions.” For uniformed services members, “this does not apply to traditional contributions from combat-zone pay.”
Where the IRS sets the TSP limit
The IRS release says the annual contribution limit for employees who participate in “401(k), 403(b), governmental 457 plans, and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan is increased to $24,500, up from $23,500 for 2025.” Notice 2025-67 ties the 401(k) limit to the TSP in the same way: the section 402(g) limit “which includes elective deferrals made to the Thrift Savings Plan”, so TSP deferrals and 401(k) deferrals fall under one limit.
Common mistakes
- Treating Roth and traditional TSP limits as separate. They share one $24,500 limit.
- Counting agency matching contributions against the $24,500. They are separate.
- Adding the $8,000 and $11,250 catch-ups. Ages 60 to 63 get the higher one instead.
- Forgetting that deferrals to an outside 401(k) fall under the same section 402(g) limit.
Related: the 2027 TSP page, the 401(k) limits page, and the 2026 retirement numbers hub.
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Answer againSources
- Thrift Savings Plan, Contribution limits: https://www.tsp.gov/making-contributions/contribution-limits/
- IRS Notice 2025-67, 2026 Amounts Relating to Retirement Plans and IRAs, as Adjusted for Changes in Cost-of-Living: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-25-67.pdf
- IRS news release IR-2025-111 (Nov. 13, 2025), 401(k) limit increases to $24,500 for 2026, IRA limit increases to $7,500: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/401k-limit-increases-to-24500-for-2026-ira-limit-increases-to-7500
Sources: the primary documents linked above, read on October 1, 2026. General information, not tax advice. Your own facts decide the outcome, and a preparer, the plan administrator or the agency itself is the right place to confirm anything consequential.