2026 Retirement Planning Numbers: The Quick-Reference Guide
Updated August 19, 2026
These are the numbers that matter for retirement planning in 2026: no commentary, no opinions, just the figures, the source, and a link to the official document. Bookmark this page: we update it every year. Every section below links out to a fuller explainer if you want the strategy behind a particular number.
Average monthly benefit
| Figure | 2026 Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Average monthly retirement benefit (all retired workers, Jan 2026) | $2,071 | SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet |
This is the average after the 2.8% COLA is applied. Individual benefits vary based on earnings history and claiming age.
Retirement earnings test limits
If you claim Social Security before full retirement age and continue working, SSA withholds benefits above these limits:
| Situation | 2026 Annual Limit | Withholding Rate | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below full retirement age for the entire year | $24,480 | $1 withheld for every $2 earned above the limit | SSA: Receiving Benefits While Working |
| In the year you reach full retirement age (months before FRA month) | $65,160 | $1 withheld for every $3 earned above the limit | Same source |
| Beginning the month you reach full retirement age | No limit | None | Same source |
Benefits withheld due to the earnings test are not lost. They are added back to your monthly benefit after you reach full retirement age.
For the strategy behind when to claim, read: Should you claim Social Security at 62, 67, or 70? If you've lost a spouse, or you're divorced after a long marriage, also see Social Security survivor benefits: what widows and widowers need to know.
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
RMD rules and life expectancy factors for 2026, sourced to IRS Publication 590-B and IRS retirement topics guidance.
RMD start age schedule
| Birth year | RMD start age | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 or earlier | 72 | Already in progress |
| 1951 to 1959 | 73 | First RMD due by April 1 of the year after turning 73 |
| 1960 or later | 75 | First RMD due by April 1 of the year after turning 75, effective 2033 |
Source: IRS Retirement Topics, Required Minimum Distributions. For 2026, the applicable RMD age is 73. The age 75 rule takes effect January 1, 2033.
This is the table most account owners use for their own IRA and workplace plan RMDs. Divide your December 31 account balance by the factor for your age.
IRS Uniform Lifetime Table (Table III)
| Age | Distribution factor |
|---|---|
| 73 | 26.5 |
| 74 | 25.5 |
| 75 | 24.6 |
| 76 | 23.7 |
| 77 | 22.9 |
| 78 | 22.0 |
| 79 | 21.1 |
| 80 | 20.2 |
| 81 | 19.4 |
| 82 | 18.5 |
| 83 | 17.7 |
| 84 | 16.8 |
| 85 | 16.0 |
| 86 | 15.2 |
| 87 | 14.4 |
| 88 | 13.7 |
| 89 | 12.9 |
| 90 | 12.2 |
| 91 | 11.5 |
| 92 | 10.8 |
| 93 | 10.1 |
| 94 | 9.5 |
| 95 | 8.9 |
Source: IRS Publication 590-B, Appendix B, Table III. Use Table II (Joint and Last Survivor) if your spouse is your sole beneficiary and more than 10 years younger. Use Table I (Single Life) for inherited accounts. Roth IRAs have no lifetime RMDs for the original owner.
For the strategy behind Roth conversions before RMDs begin, read: Roth Conversion Window Before RMDs. If you're deciding what to do with an old employer plan, see What to do with your 401(k) when you retire.
Medicare
Medicare premiums and IRMAA surcharges for 2026, sourced to CMS.
Standard premiums
| Figure | 2026 Value | 2025 Value | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part B standard monthly premium | $202.90 | $185.00 | CMS 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums |
| Part D base beneficiary premium | $38.99 per month | N/A | CMS Part C & D Announcement |
Part D actual premiums vary by plan. The $38.99 figure is the CMS-published base beneficiary premium; your plan's premium may differ.
IRMAA is a surcharge added to standard Medicare premiums for higher-income beneficiaries. It's based on your 2024 modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from your tax return, two years before the premium year.
IRMAA brackets, single filers (2026)
| 2024 MAGI (individual) | Part B IRMAA surcharge | Total Part B premium | Part D IRMAA surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|
| $109,000 or less | $0.00 | $202.90 | $0.00 |
| Over $109,000 to $137,000 | $81.20 | $284.10 | $14.50 |
| Over $137,000 to $171,000 | $202.90 | $405.80 | $37.50 |
| Over $171,000 to $205,000 | $324.60 | $527.50 | $60.40 |
| Over $205,000 to $499,999 | $446.30 | $649.20 | $83.30 |
| $500,000 or more | $487.00 | $689.90 | $91.00 |
Source: CMS 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles, released November 14, 2025 and updated August 14, 2026. The Part D IRMAA surcharge is added to your plan premium; it does not replace it.
IRMAA brackets, married filing jointly (2026)
| 2024 MAGI (joint) | Part B IRMAA surcharge | Total Part B premium | Part D IRMAA surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|
| $218,000 or less | $0.00 | $202.90 | $0.00 |
| Over $218,000 to $274,000 | $81.20 | $284.10 | $14.50 |
| Over $274,000 to $342,000 | $202.90 | $405.80 | $37.50 |
| Over $342,000 to $410,000 | $324.60 | $527.50 | $60.40 |
| Over $410,000 to $749,999 | $446.30 | $649.20 | $83.30 |
| $750,000 or more | $487.00 | $689.90 | $91.00 |
Source: CMS 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles, released November 14, 2025 and updated August 14, 2026. The Part D IRMAA surcharge is added to your plan premium; it does not replace it.
Medicare Part A costs (2026)
| Figure | 2026 Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Inpatient hospital deductible (per benefit period) | $1,736 | CMS 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums |
| Hospital coinsurance (days 61-90) | $434 per day | Same source |
| Lifetime reserve days (days 91-150) | $868 per day | Same source |
| Skilled nursing facility coinsurance (days 21-100) | $217 per day | Same source |
| Part A monthly premium (30-39 quarters) | $311 | Same source |
| Part A monthly premium (fewer than 30 quarters) | $565 | Same source |
Approximately 99% of beneficiaries do not pay a Part A premium because they have at least 40 quarters of Medicare-covered employment. Source: CMS MLN Matters MM14279.
For the strategy behind avoiding IRMAA cliffs, read: Medicare IRMAA explained: what triggers it and how to avoid the cliffs.
Taxes
2026 federal income tax figures for retirees, sourced to IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32.
2026 standard deduction
| Filing status | 2026 Standard deduction | 2025 Standard deduction |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $16,100 | $15,500 |
| Married filing separately | $16,100 | $15,500 |
| Head of household | $24,150 | $23,200 |
| Married filing jointly / Qualifying surviving spouse | $32,200 | $30,700 |
Source: IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32.
Additional standard deduction for age 65 or older
| Filing status | Additional amount |
|---|---|
| Married or qualifying surviving spouse | $1,650 |
| Unmarried (not a surviving spouse) | $2,050 |
Source: IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32.
There's also a new senior deduction for 2025 through 2028. Eligible taxpayers age 65 or older may claim an additional deduction of up to $6,000 per qualifying individual, or $12,000 for a married couple when both spouses qualify. It phases out once modified AGI exceeds $75,000 (single) or $150,000 (joint), and it's separate from the age-based additional standard deduction above.
2026 federal income tax brackets, single filers
| Tax rate | Taxable income |
|---|---|
| 10% | Up to $12,400 |
| 12% | Over $12,400 to $50,400 |
| 22% | Over $50,400 to $105,700 |
| 24% | Over $105,700 to $201,775 |
| 32% | Over $201,775 to $256,225 |
| 35% | Over $256,225 to $640,600 |
| 37% | Over $640,600 |
2026 federal income tax brackets, married filing jointly and qualifying surviving spouses
| Tax rate | Taxable income |
|---|---|
| 10% | Up to $24,800 |
| 12% | Over $24,800 to $100,800 |
| 22% | Over $100,800 to $211,400 |
| 24% | Over $211,400 to $403,550 |
| 32% | Over $403,550 to $512,450 |
| 35% | Over $512,450 to $768,700 |
| 37% | Over $768,700 |
2026 federal income tax brackets, head of household
| Tax rate | Taxable income |
|---|---|
| 10% | Up to $17,700 |
| 12% | Over $17,700 to $67,450 |
| 22% | Over $67,450 to $105,700 |
| 24% | Over $105,700 to $201,750 |
| 32% | Over $201,750 to $256,200 |
| 35% | Over $256,200 to $640,600 |
| 37% | Over $640,600 |
2026 federal income tax brackets, married filing separately
| Tax rate | Taxable income |
|---|---|
| 10% | Up to $12,400 |
| 12% | Over $12,400 to $50,400 |
| 22% | Over $50,400 to $105,700 |
| 24% | Over $105,700 to $201,775 |
| 32% | Over $201,775 to $256,225 |
| 35% | Over $256,225 to $640,600 |
| 37% | Over $640,600 |
Source: IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32. These are marginal rates on taxable income after deductions, not on gross income.
For the strategy behind using these brackets deliberately, read: Roth conversions in your 60s: a quiet way to keep more.
Retirement Account Contribution Limits (2026)
Contribution limits for retirement savings accounts in 2026, sourced to IRS cost-of-living adjustments.
| Account type | 2026 Limit | 2025 Limit (for comparison) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 401(k) employee contributions | $24,500 | $23,500 | IRS 401(k) Limit Increases |
| 401(k) catch-up (age 50+) | $8,000 | $7,500 | Same source |
| 401(k) total (age 50+) | $32,500 | $31,000 | Same source |
| IRA contributions (traditional + Roth combined) | $7,500 | $7,000 | Same source |
| IRA catch-up (age 50+) | $1,100 | $1,000 | Same source |
| IRA total (age 50+) | $8,600 | $8,000 | Same source |
| SIMPLE IRA employee contributions | $17,000 | $16,500 | IRS COLA Increases for Benefits and Contributions |
| SIMPLE IRA catch-up (age 50+) | $4,000 | $3,500 | Same source |
| SEP IRA maximum contribution | $72,000 | $70,000 | Same source |
Participants who attain ages 60 to 63 during 2026 may have higher catch-up limits: $11,250 for most 401(k) plans and $5,250 for SIMPLE plans. Source: IRS COLA Increases.
For the strategy behind what to do with an old employer plan, read: What to do with your 401(k) when you retire.
HSA Contribution Limits (2026)
Health Savings Account limits for 2026, sourced to IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-19. These matter if you are on a high-deductible health plan before Medicare.
| Item | Self-only coverage | Family coverage | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum annual HSA contribution | $4,400 | $8,750 | IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-19 |
| HDHP minimum annual deductible | $1,700 | $3,400 | Same source |
| HDHP maximum annual out-of-pocket | $8,500 | $17,000 | Same source |
| Catch-up contribution (age 55+) | $1,000 | $1,000 | IRS Publication 969 |
With the catch-up, the maximum totals are $5,400 (self-only) or $9,750 (family) for someone age 55 or older. Each qualifying spouse must make their own $1,000 catch-up to that spouse's separate HSA.
For the strategy behind bridging the gap between retirement and Medicare, read: The healthcare gap: covering yourself from retirement to Medicare.
ACA / Healthcare for Early Retirees
ACA premium subsidy thresholds for 2026, sourced to HHS and IRS. These matter if you retire before Medicare eligibility at 65.
ACA subsidy eligibility
| Figure | 2026 Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Premium tax credit income range | 100% to 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL) | IRS Premium Tax Credit |
| Income definition | Modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) | Same source |
A temporary rule allowing premium tax credit eligibility above 400% of FPL applied through tax year 2025; the 400% upper limit generally applies again for 2026. Individuals enrolled in Medicare are not eligible for the premium tax credit.
2026 federal poverty guidelines (48 contiguous states and DC)
| Household size | 100% FPL | 400% FPL |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $63,840 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $86,560 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $109,280 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $132,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $154,720 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $177,440 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $200,160 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $222,880 |
Add $5,680 per additional person for 100% FPL, or $22,720 per additional person for 400% FPL. Source: HHS ASPE, 2026 Poverty Guidelines. Also see Healthcare.gov: save on monthly premiums.
For the strategy behind bridging the gap between retirement and Medicare, read: The healthcare gap: covering yourself from retirement to Medicare.
What these numbers mean for your plan
These numbers are the starting point, not the plan. If you want help turning them into a retirement strategy that fits your situation, learn how we work or see our flat-fee pricing.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the 2026 Social Security COLA increase?
- The 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is 2.8%, applied to benefits payable beginning January 2026. The 2025 COLA was 2.5%. Source: SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet.
- What is the 2026 Social Security taxable wage base?
- The 2026 taxable wage base is $184,500, up from $176,100 in 2025. Medicare taxable earnings have no cap. Source: SSA Contribution and Benefit Base.
- What is the average Social Security retirement benefit in 2026?
- The average retirement benefit is $2,071 per month for all retired workers as of January 2026, after the 2.8% COLA. Source: SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet.
- What is the 2026 Social Security earnings test limit?
- The limit is $24,480 per year if you're below full retirement age for the entire year, with $1 withheld for every $2 earned above it. In the year you reach full retirement age, the limit rises to $65,160, with $1 withheld for every $3. There is no limit after you reach full retirement age. Source: SSA: Receiving Benefits While Working.
- How much will Medicare Part B cost in 2026?
- The standard Part B premium is $202.90 per month, up from $185.00 in 2025. Higher-income beneficiaries pay more through IRMAA surcharges. Source: CMS 2026 Medicare Parts A & B.
- What are the 2026 IRMAA brackets for single filers?
- IRMAA surcharges begin when 2024 MAGI exceeds $109,000 for single filers, ranging from $81.20 to $487.00 per month on top of the standard Part B premium. Source: CMS 2026 Medicare Parts A & B.
- What are the 2026 IRMAA brackets for married filing jointly?
- IRMAA surcharges begin when 2024 MAGI exceeds $218,000 for joint filers, ranging from $81.20 to $487.00 per month on top of the standard Part B premium. Source: CMS 2026 Medicare Parts A & B.
- What is the 2026 Medicare Part A deductible?
- The inpatient hospital deductible is $1,736 per benefit period. About 99% of beneficiaries pay no Part A premium. Source: CMS 2026 Medicare Parts A & B.
- What is the 2026 RMD age?
- The RMD age is 73 for individuals born 1951 through 1959. It increases to 75 for those born in 1960 or later, effective 2033. Source: IRS Retirement Topics, RMDs.
- What is the 2026 standard deduction for seniors over 65?
- The standard deduction is $16,100 (single) or $32,200 (married filing jointly), plus an additional $2,050 (single) or $1,650 (married) for age 65 or older. A new senior deduction of up to $6,000 is also available for 2025 through 2028. Source: IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32.
- What are the 2026 401(k) and IRA contribution limits?
- The 401(k) employee contribution limit is $24,500, or $32,500 with the catch-up at age 50 or older. The IRA contribution limit is $7,500, or $8,600 with the catch-up at age 50 or older. Source: IRS 401(k) Limit Increases.
- What are the 2026 HSA contribution limits?
- The HSA contribution limit is $4,400 for self-only coverage and $8,750 for family coverage, plus a $1,000 catch-up if you're age 55 or older. Source: IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-19.
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Keep reading
- Should you claim Social Security at 62, 67, or 70?Social Security
- The Roth conversion window most retirees missTax Strategy
- What to do with your 401(k) when you retireRetirement Planning
- Medicare IRMAA explained: what triggers it and how to avoid the cliffsHealthcare & Medicare
- Roth conversions in your 60s: a quiet way to keep moreTax Strategy
- The healthcare gap: covering yourself from retirement to MedicareRetirement Planning
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Social Security
Social Security figures for 2026, sourced to the Social Security Administration.
2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA)
The 2.8% COLA applies to benefits payable beginning January 2026, described by the SSA as the increase from December 2025 benefits to the amount payable in January 2026.
Taxable wage base
Medicare taxable earnings have no cap.
Full retirement age by birth year
Source: SSA Normal Retirement Age.
Delayed retirement credits