topic Maximize 401(k) contribution in Retirement tax questions

Maximize 401(k) contribution

goodglarp — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 06:14:09 GMT

I have both a regular and Roth 401(k). I was unemployed in 2022 and didn't maximize my contributions to my 401(k).

Is it possible to make some kind of "catch-up" contribution and it will influence my 2022 return?

Re: Maximize 401(k) contribution

SharonD007 — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 23:49:05 GMT

No, if you did not have earned income, you will not be able to make contributions or catch-up contributions to your retirement accounts. If you have earned income in 2023, you may be able to make catch-up contributions for 2023. If you are age 50 or older, you are permitted to make annual catch-up contributions to your 401(k)s and individual retirement accounts (IRAs). You must reach your plan’s contribution limits before you make catch-up contributions.

For more information please review the IRS Retirement Topics - Catch-Up Contributions and TurboTax article End of Year Retirement Tips.

Re: Maximize 401(k) contribution

goodglarp — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 03:50:27 GMT

Thanks for the reply.

But to clarify, we did have earned income in 2022, just not full income during the 5 months I was unemployed.

Re: Maximize 401(k) contribution

MinhT1 — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 12:45:56 GMT

For your regular and Roth 401(k), you cannot make any more contributions to these plans for 2022 after December 31, 2022.

You are considered as covered by a retirement plan at work for tax year and you may be eligible to make a deductible contribution to a Traditional IRA if your filing status and your MAGI allow, according to this IRS document.