Final answer:
In 2016, the maximum employee contribution to a 401(k) was $18,000, with an additional catch-up contribution of $6,000 for individuals aged 50 and over.
Step-by-step explanation:
The maximum employee (EE) contribution to a 401(k) for the year 2016 was $18,000. This amount is set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and often adjusts annually to account for inflation. It's important for individuals to be aware of these limits as exceeding them can lead to penalties. For those aged 50 and over, there was also a catch-up contribution limit of $6,000 in 2016, allowing older workers to contribute a higher amount to accelerate their retirement savings as they approach retirement age.