Roth 401(k) vs. Pre-Tax 401(k): What’s the Difference?

Understanding the differences between a Roth 401(k) and a traditional, pre-tax 401(k) account can help you get the most out of your benefits.¹

	Roth 401(k)	Pre-Tax 401(k)
Contributions	Designated Roth employee elective contributions are made with after-tax dollars	Traditional, pre-tax employee elective contributions are made with before-tax dollars
Income Limits	No income limit to participate	No income limit to participate
Maximum Elective Contribution²	Aggregate employee elective contributions limited to $24,500 in 2026, plus an additional $8,000 for employees ages 50-59, 64+; $11,250 for ages 60-63³	Same aggregate limit as Roth 401(k)
Taxation of Withdrawals	Withdrawals of contributions and earnings aren’t taxed if it’s a qualified distribution, i.e., the account is held for at least 5 years and the distribution is made due to: Death Disability, or Reaching 59½ or older	Withdrawals of contributions and earnings are subject to federal and most state income taxes
Required Minimum Distributions	No requirement to start taking distributions while owner is alive, starting January 1, 2024	Distributions must begin no later than age 73 starting January 1, 2023, increasing to age 75 beginning on January 1, 2033

Your financial professional can help you understand which account or combination of accounts is right for you.

Source: IRS, Roth Comparison Chart, last reviewed on 7/08/2026

¹Please check with your plan administrator for plan options.

²This limitation is by individual, rather than by plan. You can split your annual elective deferrals between designated Roth contributions and traditional pre-tax contributions, but your combined contributions can’t exceed the deferral limit: $24,500 in 2026 ($32,500 in 2026 if you’re eligible for catch-up contributions).

³After December 31, 2025, those earning $150,000 in FICA wages for the previous year must direct their catch-up contributions to a Roth account.

The views expressed here should not be construed as investment advice. They are based on available information and are subject to change without notice. The information above is intended as general information and is not intended to provide, nor may it be construed as providing, tax, accounting, or legal advice. As with all matters of a tax or legal nature, please consult with your tax or legal counsel for advice. This material and/or its contents are current at the time of writing and may not be reproduced or distributed in whole or in part, for any purpose, without the express written consent of Hartford Funds.

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