Fidamen

Catch-Up Contribution Calculator

This calculator estimates the additional retirement contributions you may be allowed to make under common U.S. catch-up provisions. It supports the standard age 50+ catch-up, a simplified 457(b) special catch-up estimate, and the SIMPLE IRA catch-up. Because contribution limits are set by law and vary year to year, fields are provided so you can enter the latest IRS limits used by your plan.

The tool is a planning aid and does not replace plan documents, your plan administrator, or formal tax advice. Use the override fields to reflect the current official limits published by the IRS for the tax year you are planning.

Updated Nov 27, 2025QA PASS — golden 25 / edge 120Run golden-edge-2026-01-23

Governance

Record b5871372cc90 • Reviewed by Fidamen Standards Committee

Calculates the commonly used age-50-and-over catch-up amount that supplements the plan's annual elective deferral limit when the participant is age 50 or older.

Inputs

Results

Updates as you type

Maximum catch-up available

$7,500.00

Projected total contribution (with full catch-up)

$7,500.00

Additional contribution to reach full catch-up

$7,500.00

OutputValueUnit
Maximum catch-up available$7,500.00USD
Projected total contribution (with full catch-up)$7,500.00USD
Additional contribution to reach full catch-up$7,500.00USD
Primary result$7,500.00

Visualization

Methodology

The calculator uses three purpose-built methods to reflect the different catch-up rules: standard age-50+ catch-up (applies to many defined contribution plans), a simplified 457(b) special catch-up window (an estimate model), and SIMPLE IRA catch-up.

Inputs include participant age, plan type, annual elective deferral limit, catch-up limit(s), and contributions already made. The logic computes eligibility flags and applies user-provided limits to compute available incremental contribution amounts and projected totals.

Key takeaways

This advanced estimator provides quick projections for common catch-up scenarios; it is customizable so you can input the official IRS limits or plan-specific limits.

For absolute accuracy and compliance, confirm values with the latest IRS guidance and your plan administrator.

F.A.Q.

Are the numeric defaults guaranteed to match IRS limits?

No. Limits are set by the IRS and can change annually. Default numeric values are for convenience only. Always confirm the current limits from the IRS or your plan sponsor and enter them into the appropriate fields.

Does this tool replace my plan administrator or tax advisor?

No. This tool is a planning estimator. For binding determinations about allowable contributions, consult your plan documents, plan administrator, or a qualified tax advisor.

Is the 457(b) special catch-up calculation exact?

No. The 457(b) special catch-up provision has rules that depend on unused deferral history and plan specifics. This method provides an estimate; for precise calculations consult your plan administrator.

What should I do if my plan enforces lower limits than IRS maximums?

Enter the plan-specific annual limit in the 'Plan's current annual elective deferral limit' field. This calculator uses the values supplied by you to produce estimates.

Sources & citations

Further resources

Versioning & Change Control

Audit record (versions, QA runs, reviewer sign-off, and evidence).

Record ID: b5871372cc90

What changed (latest)

v1.0.0 • 2025-11-27 • MINOR

Initial publication and governance baseline.

Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.

Public QA status

PASS — golden 25 + edge 120

Last run: 2026-01-23 • Run: golden-edge-2026-01-23

Engine

v1.0.0

Data

Baseline (no external datasets)

Content

v1.0.0

UI

v1.0.0

Governance

Last updated: Nov 27, 2025

Reviewed by: Fidamen Standards Committee (Review board)

Credentials: Internal QA

Risk level: low

Reviewer profile (entity)

Fidamen Standards Committee

Review board

Internal QA

Entity ID: https://fidamen.com/reviewers/fidamen-standards-committee#person

Semantic versioning

  • MAJOR: Calculation outputs can change for the same inputs (formula, rounding policy, assumptions).
  • MINOR: New features or fields that do not change existing outputs for the same inputs.
  • PATCH: Bug fixes, copy edits, or accessibility changes that do not change intended outputs except for previously incorrect cases.

Review protocol

  • Verify formulas and unit definitions against primary standards or datasets.
  • Run golden-case regression suite and edge-case suite.
  • Record reviewer sign-off with credentials and scope.
  • Document assumptions, limitations, and jurisdiction applicability.

Assumptions & limitations

  • Uses exact unit definitions from the Fidamen conversion library.
  • Internal calculations use double precision; display rounding follows the unit's configured decimal places.
  • Not a substitute for calibrated instruments in regulated contexts.
  • Jurisdiction-specific rules may require official guidance.

Change log

v1.0.0 • 2025-11-27 • MINOR

Initial publication and governance baseline.

Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.

Areas: engine, content, ui • Reviewer: Fidamen Standards Committee • Entry ID: cf43b2d57740