Mega backdoor Roth
capacity.
If your 401(k) plan allows after-tax contributions and in-service rollovers, you can shelter tens of thousands more per year in a Roth wrapper than the standard limit. This tool shows your remaining capacity.
Age 50+ unlocks catch-up contributions.
2026 limit: $24,500 ($32,000 with 50+ catch-up).
Check with your plan administrator whether both (a) after-tax contributions are allowed, and (b) in-service rollovers or in-plan conversions are allowed. Without both, the mega backdoor is not available.
What this tool assumes
- 2026 total 401(k) contribution limit (415(c)): $72,000; catch-up at 50+ adds $8,000 for $80,000 total.
- 2026 employee elective-deferral limit (402(g)): $24,500; catch-up at 50+ adds $8,000 for $32,500 total.
- Mega backdoor is only possible if your plan allows after-tax contributions and in-service conversions or rollovers.
- After-tax contributions can exceed the employee contribution limit up to the total plan limit.
- In-service rollover or in-plan conversion moves after-tax dollars to Roth immediately; earnings before the conversion are taxable.
The mega backdoor Roth is one of the most powerful retirement tools available to US W-2 employees. Educational only; not financial advice.
HOW THIS IS CALCULATED
This tool runs entirely in your browser — no data is sent to any server. All formulas use standard financial math. Verify the methodology or inspect the source code in your browser's dev tools.