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Pension Catch-Up Contributions: Key Changes and Strategies

For those aged 50 and above, enhancing retirement savings with additional "catch-up" contributions to salary deferral plans is more strategic than ever. Eligible plans include the 401(k) Deferred Compensation plans, 403(b) TSA plans, 457(b) Government plans, and SIMPLE IRA plans.

Catch-Up Contributions for Age 50+: Historically, catch-up contributions for 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans capped at $7,500 for 2023 through 2025, with SIMPLE IRAs allowing $3,500. These maximums are subject to periodic inflation adjustments. Image 2

Enhancements for Ages 60-63: The SECURE 2.0 Act, effective 2025, introduces enhanced catch-up provisions for individuals aged 60 to 63. This age group, nearing retirement, often has more discretionary income to bolster their retirement nest eggs.

The new legislation increases these limits to the greater of $10,000 or 50% more than the standard catch-up, culminating in a potential maximum of $11,250 for 2025. For SIMPLE plans, a different formula applies with a $5,250 cap, increasing to $6,350 for firms with 25 or fewer employees.

Mandatory Roth Contributions for Higher Earners: Beginning January 1, 2026, employees with prior year earnings of over $145,000 from plan sponsors must designate catch-up contributions as Roth contributions.

  • Inflation Impacts: The $145,000 threshold will adjust with inflation in subsequent years.

  • Flexibility for Other Employees: Employees under this threshold may choose to make their catch-up contributions as Roth contributions.

  • Plan Limitations: If an employer lacks a designated Roth option, employees surpassing the income threshold cannot make Roth catch-up contributions.

  • Employment History Considerations: Employees who worked part-year may be subject to Roth rules if full prior-year earnings exceeded the threshold.

Tax Planning Prospects: Taxpayers can strategically utilize these amendments for tax-efficient planning. Roth accounts allow retirees to mitigate future tax rate variability, ensuring access to a mix of taxed and tax-free funds. With tax-exempt treatment on both principal and earnings, Roth plans are an attractive estate planning tool, absent of required minimum distributions (RMDs) during the original owner's lifetime. Image 1

  • The Five-Year Rule: Distributions before five consecutive tax years post-initial Roth contribution aren’t qualified. Each plan has a separate holding period, potentially leading to multiple periods if participating in multiple Roth 401(k) plans. Consult our office for comprehensive advice regarding rollover specifics and compliance.

Strategic Timing: Timing Roth contributions is crucial. High-income employees should initiate Roth contributions early to satisfy the five-year rule by retirement. Those closer to retirement might explore alternate strategies.

If you have questions or need tailored assistance, please reach out to our office for expert guidance.

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