Can I Contribute to Both a Pre-Tax and Roth 401(k)?
Understanding How the Limits Work (And What’s Best for You)
If you’re wondering whether you can split your 401(k) contributions between pre-tax and Roth options, you’re not alone. Many people aren’t sure how these two types of accounts work together—or what the limits are.
The Short Answer: Yes, You Can Contribute to Both
If your employer offers both pre-tax and Roth 401(k) options, you’re allowed to contribute to one, the other, or a mix of both.
It’s not an either/or choice.
You can decide how much goes into each bucket—just keep in mind that the combined total of your contributions can’t exceed the IRS limit for the year.
What Are the 401(k) Contribution Limits for 2025?
For 2025, the employee contribution limits are:
- $23,500 total across both pre-tax and Roth 401(k) accounts
- If you’re age 50 or older, you can contribute an additional $7,500 as a catch-up
- That’s a total of $31,000 if you qualify for the catch-up
- Super Catch-Up: Ages 60-63 have increased limits beginning this year – read more here
These limits apply to your salary deferral contributions only. Your employer’s match doesn’t count toward the $23,500/$31,000 limit—but it does count toward the overall plan limit, which is much higher ($70,000 or more with catch-up contributions, for 2025).
Example: Mixing Pre-Tax and Roth Contributions
Let’s say you’re 45 and want to contribute the full $23,500 this year. You could choose to:
- Put all $23,500 into your pre-tax 401(k)
- Put all $23,500 into your Roth 401(k)
- Or split it—like $13,000 pre-tax and $10,500 Roth
As long as the total doesn’t go over the IRS limit, you’re good.
Which Is Better: Pre-Tax or Roth?
It depends on your situation. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
| Pre-Tax 401(k) | Roth 401(k) | |
| Contributions | Not taxed; lowers your taxable income now | Taxed now, but grow tax-free* |
| Withdrawals | Taxed in retirement | Tax-free if qualified* |
A mix of both can offer tax diversification, which gives you more flexibility in retirement.
*Tax-free withdrawals from a Roth account are generally available if the account has been held for at least five years and the account holder has reached age 59½, whichever occurs later. Additional conditions may apply. Consult a qualified tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.
How to Set It Up
Processes differ between companies and recordkeepers.
Some plans may only allow changes at certain times, so it’s worth checking in early.
- Log into your plan provider’s site or talk to your HR/payroll team
- Decide your total contribution amount and how to split it between pre-tax and Roth
- Update your payroll elections to reflect your choice
Yes, you can contribute to both pre-tax and Roth 401ks — and you might benefit from doing so.
Just remember that the combined total can’t exceed the annual limit set by the IRS.
If you’re not sure what’s best for your situation, this is a great topic to bring up with a tax advisor and/or financial professional.
