Google 401(k) Catch-Up Contributions: Changes in 2026
If you're a Google employee age 50 or older, significant changes are coming to your 401(k) catch-up contributions in 2026. These changes could have a major impact on your retirement savings strategy, especially if you're a high earner.
Key Takeaways
Catch-up contribution limits for 2026 increase to $8,000 for ages 50+ and $11,250 for ages 60–63.
Catch-up contributions are not matched by Google, but they still provide valuable tax-advantaged retirement savings.
Starting in 2026, Google employees earning over $150,000 in FICA wages must make all catch-up contributions as Roth (after-tax) contributions.
Catch-Up Contributions
Catch-up contributions raise the limits for how much money employees over age 50 can contribute to a 401(k). This helps older workers accelerate their retirement savings in the final years of their career, often coinciding with their peak earnings. As a Google employee, catch-up contributions are the perfect opportunity to boost your savings while preparing for retirement.
2026 Contribution Limits
The IRS has announced increased contribution limits for 2026 that apply to all 401(k) plans, including Google's.
The standard limit for employees under 50 is $24,500 (up from $23,500 in 2025).
For employees age 50 or older, the additional catch-up contribution is $8,000 (up from $7,500 in 2025).
For employees age 60–63, there is a super catch-up contribution of $11,250. After turning 64, the catch-up contribution scales back down to $8,000.
This means different total contribution limits based on your age are:
Under age 50: Up to $24,500
Ages 50-59 and 64+: Up to $32,500 ($24,500 + $8,000)
Ages 60-63: Up to $35,750 ($24,500 + $11,250)
How Google's 401(k) Match Works with Catch-Up Contributions
Google matches 50% of all employee contributions up to the IRS limit for standard deferrals. For 2026, this means Google will match up to $12,250 if you contribute the full $24,500 of the standard limit.
Unfortunately, catch-up contributions do not receive employer matching. When you contribute the additional $8,000 (or $11,250 if you're age 60-63), Google won't match those amounts. However, even without the match, these catch-up dollars can still greatly increase your investment growth over time.
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Mandatory Roth Catch-Up Contributions for High Earners
Starting January 1, 2026, a significant new requirement takes effect under the SECURE 2.0 Act. If your FICA wages exceeded $150,000 in 2025, all catch-up contributions you make in 2026 must be designated as Roth (after-tax) contributions. What does this mean for you? If you’re like many Google employees:
You will no longer be able to make pre-tax catch-up contributions. Previously, high earners could choose between pre-tax and Roth catch-up contributions. That option disappears for those earning above the threshold. Your catch-up dollars will be taxed as ordinary income in the year you contribute them.
Your money grows tax-free in retirement. While you lose the immediate tax deduction, qualified withdrawals from your Roth contributions will be completely tax-free in retirement. This includes both your contributions and any investment growth.
Only catch-up contributions are affected. The requirement applies exclusively to catch-up amounts. Your regular contributions up to the $24,500 limit can still be made on either a pre-tax or Roth basis, according to your preference.
Most Google employees in senior technical and leadership positions will be affected by this rule. The $150,000 threshold is relatively low for Google's compensation structure, particularly when you consider that FICA wages include salary, bonuses, and GSU income.
Mandatory Roth Contributions: Strategic Considerations for 2026
The new Roth requirement presents some challenges and opportunities for your tax planning.
Immediate Tax Impact
Making Roth catch-up contributions means you'll pay income tax on those dollars in 2026. For a high-earning Google employee in a high tax bracket, an $8,000 Roth catch-up contribution could mean an additional $2,500–$3,000 in federal income taxes, depending on your tax bracket. You'll also pay applicable state income taxes in Washington, though fortunately, Washington has no state income tax on wages.
Long-Term Tax Benefits
While the upfront tax cost is real, the long-term benefits can be substantial. Consider that $8,000 contributed annually from age 60 to retirement at 65, assuming a 7% average annual return, could grow to approximately $60,000. With Roth contributions, every dollar of that growth is tax-free when withdrawn in retirement.
If tax rates increase in the future, or if your retirement income is higher than expected, the Roth advantage becomes even more pronounced. You'll have tax-free income to supplement your taxable sources like traditional 401(k) withdrawals and Social Security.
Coordinating Pre-Tax and Roth Contributions
Since only catch-up contributions must be Roth for high earners, you can still optimize your base $24,500 contribution. Consider your current tax situation and retirement projections when deciding how to split that amount between traditional pre-tax and Roth contributions.
Most financial planners will recommend a diversified tax approach in retirement. Having both pre-tax and Roth assets gives you flexibility to manage your tax liability in retirement by controlling which accounts you draw from each year.
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Maximizing Your Google 401(k) Benefits
Catch-up contributions are a great way to boost your savings and prepare to transition into retirement.
Capture the Full Employer Match First
Before focusing on catch-up contributions, ensure you're contributing enough to receive Google's full 50% match. For 2026, that means contributing the full $24,500 base limit to receive Google's $12,250 match. This is an immediate 50% return on your investment, even before adding any market gains.
Take Full Advantage of Catch-Up Contributions
If you're 50 or older, don't leave catch-up contributions on the table. The additional $8,000 (or $11,250 if you're 60–63) provides valuable extra retirement savings, even without employer matching. While you'll now pay taxes upfront on these contributions if you're a high earner, the tax-free growth and withdrawals in retirement can more than compensate for the immediate tax cost.
Use the Mega Backdoor Roth Strategy
Google's 401(k) plan offers an exceptionally valuable feature for high earners: the mega backdoor Roth program. This program lets you make after-tax contributions beyond the standard limits, then convert those funds to Roth. With the overall contribution limit of $72,000 in 2026, there's substantial room for additional savings beyond the $24,500 base limit and employer match.
For example, if you contribute the maximum $24,500 and Google matches $12,250, that totals $36,750. You could potentially contribute another $35,250 in after-tax contributions, which can then be converted to Roth through in-plan conversions. Like all Roth investments, this will give you tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals in retirement.
Work with a Fiduciary Financial Advisor
The shift to mandatory Roth catch-ups affects your overall tax planning. A fiduciary financial advisor can help you navigate these changes and coordinate your overall financial plan. Unlike commission-based advisors, a fee-only fiduciary is legally required to put your interests first, providing objective guidance tailored to your specific situation.
Making the Most of Your Google 401(k)
Google's 401(k) plan remains one of the most generous and flexible retirement benefits in the tech world. With higher limits and catch-up contributions in 2026, you can continue to build substantial wealth through your Google 401(k).
The key is to be proactive. Review your situation before year-end, consult with qualified financial and tax professionals who understand the unique considerations of tech company benefits, and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Get Professional Guidance for Your Retirement Planning
Navigating your 401(k) strategy takes careful planning, especially with the new 2026 rules. At TrueWealth Financial Partners, we specialize in helping you optimize your finances and transition smoothly into retirement. As fee-only fiduciary financial advisors based in Bellevue, we're committed to providing objective guidance tailored to your specific situation.
If you’re planning to retire soon, we can help you develop a comprehensive strategy that considers your entire financial picture. Schedule a free consultation today to make sure you're making the most of your Google 401(k) in 2026 and beyond.
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FAQs: Google 401(k) Catch-Up Contributions
What if I turn 50 or 60 in 2026?
You're eligible for catch-up contributions if you'll be the qualifying age by December 31, 2026. You don't need to wait until your actual birthday to start making catch-up contributions.
Can I make some catch-up contributions pre-tax and some Roth?
If you earned over $150,000 in FICA wages in 2025, all your 2026 catch-up contributions must be Roth. You cannot split them between pre-tax and Roth. However, your base contributions up to $24,500 can still be split however you choose.
Should I reduce my catch-up contributions since they're now Roth?
This depends on your personal financial situation. While Roth contributions cost more in current-year taxes, they provide valuable tax-free growth for retirement. If the additional tax burden is manageable, continuing to maximize contributions often makes sense for long-term wealth building.
Can I still use the mega backdoor Roth if I'm making catch-up contributions?
Yes. Catch-up contributions are separate from the $72,000 overall contribution limit. You can make catch-up contributions and still maximize your mega backdoor Roth strategy by contributing after-tax dollars up to the $72,000 limit.
How do I know if my FICA wages exceeded $150,000 in 2025?
Check Box 3 of your 2025 W-2 form, which shows your FICA wages. This includes your base salary, bonuses, and vested GSUs. If this amount exceeds $150,000, you'll be subject to the mandatory Roth catch-up requirement in 2026.
What if I'm exactly at $150,000 in FICA wages?
The $150,000 threshold means you must have exceeded this amount to be subject to the Roth-only requirement. If your FICA wages were exactly $150,000, you would not be subject to the mandatory Roth catch-up rule.