For 2026, the basic employee 401(k) deferral limit is $24,500 and the overall defined-contribution limit is $72,000. Intel's 2026 proxy says the company matched contributions up to 5% for 2025; verify the current 2026 formula in your plan materials.
2026 federal limits
Know which limit applies to which contribution
IRS guidance sets the 2026 employee elective-deferral limit at $24,500. Traditional and Roth employee deferrals share that limit across the employee's 401(k) and 403(b) plans. Eligible employees age 50 or older may have additional catch-up room.
The 2026 defined-contribution limit is $72,000 before catch-up contributions. That broader limit can include employee pre-tax, Roth and after-tax contributions plus employer contributions, subject to compensation and plan rules.
- Employee pre-tax and Roth deferrals
- Employee after-tax contributions
- Intel matching contributions
- Any other employer-funded plan source
- Catch-up contributions tracked separately when permitted
Intel match
Use the current plan election—not an old search result
Intel's 2026 proxy states that Intel made matching contributions up to 5% for 2025 based on employee contributions. That filing supports the 2025 fact; it does not replace the 2026 summary plan description or the match shown in current payroll and account records.
Confirm eligible compensation, the contribution rate needed for the full match, deposit timing and whether any year-end condition or true-up applies. Recheck after a leave, pay change or midyear hire.
Payroll plan
Coordinate the limit with bonuses and a second employer
A percentage election can overshoot or undershoot when bonus pay changes eligible compensation. Contributions to another employer's plan during the same calendar year can also use part of the shared employee-deferral limit.
Review year-to-date contributions before the final payrolls. If using after-tax contributions or an in-plan Roth process, leave room for expected employer contributions and follow Intel's current recordkeeper procedures.
Frequently asked questions
Questions employees ask next
What is the Intel 401(k) match in 2026?
Intel's 2026 proxy reports matching contributions up to 5% for 2025. Confirm the formula currently applicable to you in 2026 plan and payroll materials.
What is the 401(k) employee limit for 2026?
The IRS basic elective-deferral limit is $24,500 for 2026, before an eligible catch-up contribution.
Do Intel after-tax contributions use the $24,500 limit?
After-tax contributions do not use the employee elective-deferral limit, but they generally count toward the broader annual additions limit and remain subject to plan rules.
Primary sources
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