Retirement contribution timing
Test whether front-loading your 401(k) could reduce employer match
Front-loading can put money in the market earlier, but a plan that calculates match paycheck by paycheck may stop matching after you reach the employee deferral limit. A true-up provision can sometimes restore that difference after year end—but only under the plan’s actual terms.
Use this tool to compare an even remaining election with a faster contribution schedule. Then verify every plan-specific assumption before changing payroll.
How to use this tool
Confirm the shared employee limit
Include pre-tax and Roth deferrals made through every employer during 2026.
Copy the match formula
Translate the plan wording into cents per dollar and the maximum eligible-pay percentage.
Check true-up language
Do not infer a true-up from an informal benefits summary; locate the plan document or administrator confirmation.
Set an achievable election
Leave room for taxes, benefits, payroll caps, and pay changes when choosing the number of front-load checks.
2026 employee limits
The general elective-deferral limit is $24,500 for 2026. The general age-50 catch-up is $8,000, while eligible participants ages 60 through 63 have a higher $11,250 catch-up. Catch-up treatment and plan availability still matter.
A true-up is not immediate
Plan documents may set eligibility conditions and a later reconciliation date. Someone who leaves before the required date may receive a different result, and unvested match can reduce its practical value.
Educational estimate only. The governing plan document, payroll system, annual IRS limits, employment status, compensation definition, and administrator calculations control the actual contribution and match.
Sources and further reading
- IRS: 401(k) contribution limits — 2026 elective-deferral, catch-up, and annual-additions limits.
- U.S. Department of Labor: What you should know about your retirement plan — Plan documents, vesting, and participant-rights overview.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 401(k) true-up?
It is a plan provision that can compare full-year eligible compensation and contributions with the plan’s matching formula, then add match that a paycheck-by-paycheck calculation missed. The exact definition and timing are plan-specific.
Is the $24,500 limit per job?
No. The individual elective-deferral limit generally follows the participant across employers. A separate tool is linked for coordinating two jobs.
Does front-loading always earn more investment return?
No. Earlier investment creates more market exposure, which can help or hurt. This tool isolates contribution and match timing; it does not forecast returns.
Why can the percentage exceed 100%?
The entered contribution target may be impossible after payroll taxes and deductions, or annual eligible compensation may not match remaining pay. Increase the number of contribution paychecks and confirm payroll limits.