Impactful Updates on Pension Catch-Up Contributions

Individuals aged 50 and above have the unique advantage of enhancing their retirement savings through additional annual “catch-up” contributions to various salary reduction plans, including 401(k) Deferred Compensation plans, 403(b) TSA plans, 457(b) Government plans, and SIMPLE plans.

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Enhancements for Age 50+ Participants: The current allowance for catch-up contributions for those aged 50 and above in 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans is $7,500 for the years 2023 through 2025. For participants in SIMPLE plans, the catch-up amount is $3,500. These contribution limits undergo periodic adjustments to reflect inflationary trends.

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Introducing Age 60 through 63 Catch-Up Provisions: Starting in 2025, the SECURE 2.0 Act advances an innovative catch-up contribution for individuals aged 60 to 63. This initiative recognizes retirement planning necessities as individuals approach the culmination of their careers and, often, possess higher disposable incomes. Catch-up limits for these individuals increase to the greater of $10,000 or 50% more than the regular catch-up amount, culminating in a max of $11,250 for the 2025 tax year. SIMPLE plans adhere to a slightly altered computation, setting their maximum at $5,250 or $6,350 for employers with small employee bases of 25 or fewer.

Roth Contributions for Higher Income Earnings: Effective as of January 1, 2026, those earning in excess of $145,000 in the prior year from their plan-sponsoring employer must consider their catch-up contributions as Roth contributions.

  • Effect of Inflation Adjustments: The stipulated $145,000 will adjust with inflation over subsequent years.

  • Eligibility for Under-Threshold Employees: Other qualifying employees have the choice to designate their catch-up contributions as Roth if desired.

  • Non-Availability of Roth Plans: In scenarios where an employer lacks a designated Roth plan, employees surpassing the income threshold are precluded from making catch-up contributions.

  • Considerations for Partial Year Employees: Employees employed for only a part of the preceding calendar year are subject to the Roth catch-up requirement in the current year, provided their income exceeded the threshold in full across the previous year.

Strategic Tax Planning Opportunities: The legislative changes facilitate a robust tax planning avenue by diversifying into Roth accounts. This option mitigates exposure to future tax rate volatility by enabling tax-exempt withdrawals, contingent on meeting criteria such as reaching age 59½ and fulfilling the five-year holding stipulation. Roth portfolios not only aid in tactical financial planning but also enhance estate-planning efficiency by negating the obligation for distributions during the original account holder’s lifetime.

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  • Clarifying the Five-Year Rule: Withdrawals are deemed non-qualified if conducted between initial plan contribution and completing five consecutive taxable years. This period is determined distinctly for each plan, potentially resulting in multiple holding periods across different plans. Special provisions apply for Roth plan rollovers; consult with this office for guidance.

Timing of Roth Contributions: Strategic planning of Roth contributions is crucial. Younger high-income employees should initiate Roth contributions early to satisfy the five-year period before retirement, while those on the brink of retirement may need to explore alternative planning strategies.

For further inquiries or support, please contact this office.

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