Every year, new financial limits and thresholds take effect, affecting how much you can save, invest, and set aside. These changes can impact the everyday financial decisions you make, from retirement contributions to tax planning and healthcare savings. It can be hard to find all of these numbers, since they live in different places, and when you don’t know what they are, it’s easy to make decisions in the dark or rely on outdated information.
Here’s a closer look at some key numbers that change each year and how knowing them ahead of time can make planning easier and more effective. You can download a free checklist of these numbers for 2026 here.
Federal Tax Rates and Standard Deductions
One of the first places people look when planning for the year is federal income tax rates and standard deductions. These determine how much of your income is taxed at each rate and how much you can reduce your taxable income without itemizing.
Updated tax brackets reflect inflation adjustments, and the standard deduction for 2026 rose from last year.
Knowing current tax bracket and deduction amounts helps you project your tax bill more accurately and decide whether additional strategies might be worthwhile. We recommend working with a tax professional to identify available opportunities that align with your overall financial goals.
Retirement Contribution Limits
Most years, the IRS adjusts how much you can contribute to retirement accounts such as 401ks, IRAs, and other tax-advantaged plans. For 2026:
- The elective contribution limit for 401k, 403b, and 457 plans increased to $24,500
- IRA contribution limits rose to $7,500, with higher catch-up amounts for those age 50 and older
Understanding these contribution limits can help you make the most of tax-advantaged savings opportunities. If you know you can contribute more, you can adjust your plan early in the year rather than wait until the end.
Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) also have updated contribution limits for 2026. For example, HSA limits increased for both individuals and family coverage.
Health-related accounts provide tax benefits that may reduce your taxable income while helping you pay for medical expenses. If you’re eligible for these accounts, knowing the limits lets you make benefit elections that work for your financial plan.
Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference
It’s easy to overlook annual adjustments because most of these numbers don’t change dramatically every year. But when they do, even modest increases can affect contributions, taxes, and benefits. Staying informed and working with a professional can help you make decisions with confidence instead of guessing or relying on outdated information.
A Tool to Keep You Organized All Year
To help you stay ahead this year, we have a free Important Financial Numbers Checklist available. It consolidates key limits, thresholds, and figures into a single easy-to-reference resource you can use whenever decisions come up.
Download your 2026 financial numbers checklist here and keep these numbers close at hand as you plan your year. If you have questions about any of these updates and how they might impact your financial plan, please reach out to us.
