If you want to contribute as much as possible to your 401(k) each year, you need to plan your per-paycheck contributions carefully — maxing out too early could mean missing out on employer matching contributions for the rest of the year. This article covers how to calculate your contribution amount, view your projections, and understand how owner contributions affect your limit.
If you want to max out your annual 401(k) contributions while taking full advantage of any employer match, you need to contribute from every paycheck — without hitting the limit too early. Maxing out before the final paycheck of the year could mean missing out on matching contributions for the remaining pay periods.
To figure out how much to contribute from each remaining paycheck, use this formula:
(Annual employee contribution limit − your year-to-date contributions) ÷ remaining paychecks = contribution amount per paycheck
For example, say you contributed $20,000 so far in 2026, and the employee contribution limit is $24,500. You need to contribute another $4,500 to max out. If you have six paychecks left, that is $750 per pay period. The calculation is: ($24,500 − $20,000) ÷ 6 = $750.
Choose the path that matches how you signed in.
Sign in to Gusto and go to Benefits. Under Savings, find 401(k) and select View, then select Manage 401(k)
Sign in directly at the Gusto Retirement sign-in page.
Once you're in your 401(k) dashboard, follow these steps to view your projected contributions for the year.
From the main page, select Change contribution.
View the Projected Contribution graph.
If the graph shows you will not hit the max, you can adjust your contribution rate and see how changes affect your projected total for the year.
The contribution calculator provides an estimate based on payroll information from your employer. It may differ from what you are actually paid, including earnings from bonus checks. If you contributed to another 401(k) plan in the same calendar year, you need to report those contributions on your dashboard, as they count toward your annual deferral limit and could affect your projected total.
Note: If a contribution change is made too close to when your employer runs payroll, your new rate will not be reflected until the following paycheck.
Because 401(k) contributions need to be deferred before they have been paid to you, we cannot accept contributions made outside of payroll through personal checks or ACH transfer.
If you get self-employment income that counts as compensation for 401(k) plan purposes, you are eligible to contribute through owner contributions. Contributions made through owner's draws are still considered deferrals.
You may schedule an owner contribution any time throughout the year up until Dec. 31 and in any amount, as long as it does not exceed the annual deferral limit. You are bound by the same limit as all other participants in the plan.
W-2 employees get any applicable employer match with every paycheck deferral. Those who defer through owner contributions get their match for the plan year once their income has been reported — which typically is not until their tax returns are filed. Learn more about employer contributions for owners.
If you want owner contributions deposited in the next year, you need to make your elective deferral contribution election for the plan year on or before Dec. 31. Learn how to make this election in your administrator dashboard.
While owners have the same annual limits as other employees, if any owners are considered highly compensated employees (HCEs) or key employees, corrective action may be required if their contributions are disproportionate compared to non-HCE or non-key employee counterparts and the plan does not meet nondiscrimination testing.
This information is general in nature and is for informational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for specific tax, legal, or financial advice that considers all relevant facts and circumstances. Consult a qualified financial adviser or tax professional before relying on the information provided here.