Significant Updates to Pension Catch-Up Contributions

For individuals aged 50 and above, there exists a valuable opportunity to boost retirement savings through additional "catch-up" contributions across various plans such as 401(k), 403(b) Tax-Sheltered Annuities (TSAs), 457(b) government plans, and SIMPLE plans.

Enhanced Age 50+ Catch-Up Contributions: For 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans, eligible individuals can presently contribute $7,500 annually as additional catch-up contributions from 2023 to 2025, while the limit is $3,500 for SIMPLE plans. These thresholds are subject to periodic inflation adjustments.

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Introduced Age 60 to 63 Catch-Ups: Commencing in 2025, the SECURE 2.0 Act has set forth additional catch-up contributions aimed at taxpayers between the ages of 60 and 63, reflecting a phase when retirement planning can significantly accelerate.

With the SECURE 2.0 Act, catch-up contribution limits for those aged 60 to 63 have been elevated to either $10,000 or 50% higher than the standard catch-up amount, providing a potential maximum of $11,250 in 2025. The computation varies for SIMPLE plans, setting a maximum catch-up of $5,250, which could be $6,350 if employee count doesn't exceed 25.

Mandatory Roth Contributions for Higher Incomes: As of January 1, 2026, employees whose prior year’s earnings from their plan sponsor exceed $145,000 must reallocate their catch-up contributions to Roth accounts, with this threshold being subject to inflationary adjustments.

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  • Adjusting for Inflation: The $145,000 threshold will adjust for inflation annually.

  • Under Threshold Employees: These employees have the option to choose Roth contributions for their catch-up contributions.

  • Employers Without Roth Plans: If no Roth plan is offered, employees surpassing the income threshold cannot make catch-up contributions.

  • No Previous Year Employment: Employees newly employed in the prior year can only make Roth catch-up contributions if their income surpassed the threshold during that year.

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Strategic Tax Planning Opportunities: With the changes, taxpayers can exploit tax diversification through Roth accounts, mitigating future tax rate uncertainties by holding assets in both pre-tax and post-tax accounts. Roth accounts offer tax-exempt withdrawals, including earnings, given adherence to criteria like reaching age 59½ and abiding by the five-year rule, thereby enhancing their attractiveness for estate planning, since required minimum distributions (RMDs) are exempt during the account holder’s lifetime.

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  • Understanding the Five-Year Rule: Qualified distributions shouldn't occur within five consecutive taxable years post-first contribution to the plan. Distinct holding periods may arise for multiple Roth 401(k)s across different plans, depending on initial contribution dates. Special considerations apply for plan rollovers.

Considerations for Contribution Timing: Taxpayers should judiciously plan their Roth contributions, with younger high-income earners initiating Roth contributions early to satisfy the five-year holding period, while those nearing retirement might contemplate different strategies.

For any queries or assistance needs, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

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