2026 TSP Contribution Limits

For 2026, the regular employee elective-deferral limit for the TSP is $24,500.

2026 employee contribution limits

• Regular elective deferral: $24,500
• Catch-up, age 50 or older: $8,000
• Higher catch-up, ages 60-63: $11,250 instead of $8,000

That creates a potential employee contribution total of $32,500 for most catch-up-eligible participants and $35,750 for participants eligible for the higher age 60-63 catch-up.

Do not simply divide by 26 without checking payroll

Your exact per-pay-period election depends on how many pay periods remain, previous contributions, payroll timing, and whether you want to contribute enough each pay period to receive matching contributions.

Beginning in 2026, some higher earners may be required to make catch-up contributions as Roth contributions. Confirm how the rule applies to you with TSP and payroll.

Official source: IRS catch-up contribution information.