I can't get a straight answer from HR, so asking here.
I’ve been trying to max out my 401k contributions (including catch-up) the last several years but have been getting dinged due to the highly compensated employee limitation. Last year I scaled back my contributions in line with previous years’ limitations. I’ve also been maxing out my annual Roth contributions in a private account not connected to my employer.
Questions: I recently reset my 2026 contribution to max out at $24.5k 401k and max out the $8k catch-up in the employer Roth option.
\- With the 2026 Roth limit of $8,600 (my wife and I meet the income qualifications), does this mean I now can only contribute $600 to my private Roth IRA account (to get to the $8,600 limit)? Or is the 401k Roth catch up considered separate from my standalone Roth IRA?
\- Also, will I face the same highly compensated employee issues with this new 401k Roth catch-up contribution?
Thanks!!!