New Updates on Pension Catch-Up Contributions Explained

For those aged 50 and over, the opportunity to enhance retirement savings with additional annual “catch-up” contributions to salary reduction plans such as 401(k), 403(b) TSA, 457(b) Government, and SIMPLE plans is a significant financial strategy.

Catch-Up Contributions for Those Over 50: Participants in 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans have been eligible to make catch-up contributions of $7,500 from 2023 through 2025, while SIMPLE plan participants can contribute an additional $3,500. These figures are subject to inflation adjustments.

New Catch-Up Provisions for Ages 60-63: The introduction of the SECURE 2.0 Act in 2025 has brought about a new dimension in catch-up contributions for individuals aged 60 through 63. This policy acknowledges that these near-retirement years often allow for increased income allocation towards retirement savings, providing a crucial boost to the nest egg.

Under the SECURE 2.0 Act, catch-up contributions are raised to either $10,000 or 50% more than the standard catch-up amount, translating to a maximum possible catch-up of $11,250 for the year 2025 for ages 60 through 63. SIMPLE plans follow a slightly different formula, resulting in a maximum of $5,250, or $6,350 for employers with 25 or fewer employees.

Compulsory Roth Contributions for High Earners: Starting January 1, 2026, employees with previous-year earnings of over $145,000 from the sponsoring employer must allocate catch-up contributions to Roth accounts.

  • Adjustment for Inflation: The $145,000 threshold will be inflation-adjusted in subsequent years.

  • Options for Other Employees: Employees whose earnings are below the outlined threshold can choose to make their catch-up contributions as Roth contributions if they desire.

  • Absence of Employer Designated Roth Plan: In cases where an employer does not offer a designated Roth plan, employees exceeding the threshold cannot make catch-up contributions.

  • Considerations for Partial Year Employees: Employees working partially in the previous calendar year are subject to Roth contributions only if their wages surpass the $145,000 threshold based on that partial period's earnings.

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Strategic Tax Planning Advantages: Utilizing these amendments is a savvy tax strategy, enabling taxpayers to diversify their tax planning by including Roth accounts. Retirees can manage risk associated with varying future tax rates by accessing both taxed and untaxed funds. Provided certain conditions, such as reaching age 59½ and the fulfillment of the five-year rule, are met, Roth accounts allow tax-free withdrawals of contributions and gains, enhancing their value as estate planning tools given the absence of mandatory distributions during the account owner's lifetime.

  • The Five-Year Rule Explained: To be a qualified distribution, withdrawals cannot occur until five consecutive taxable years from the first contribution have elapsed. Holding periods are distinct to each plan an employee participates in, meaning an employee with multiple Roth 401(k) plans could have different holding periods. Special conditions for Roth rollovers also apply; for detailed advice, consulting with this office is recommended.

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Optimal Timing Insights: Planning the timing of Roth contributions is crucial. Younger employees with substantial earnings may benefit from Roth contributions earlier to satisfy the five-year requirement before retirement. In contrast, those close to retirement might need to explore different approaches. For personalized advice or assistance, feel free to reach out to our office.

Let's Chat!
If any of these topics caught your attention, please contact to start the conversation!
Contact Us
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