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Significant Updates for Retirement Catch-Up Contributions

Individuals aged 50 and older have the opportunity to boost their retirement savings through additional "catch-up" contributions to various salary reduction plans, such as 401(k) Deferred Compensation plans, 403(b) TSA plans, 457(b) Government plans, and SIMPLE plans. These contributions serve as a valuable tool for older workers looking to enhance their retirement security.

Age 50+ Catch-ups: For those participating in 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans, catch-up contributions for ages 50 and above have been set at $7,500 from 2023 through 2025. SIMPLE plans offer a $3,500 catch-up amount. These contribution limits may be subject to periodic inflation adjustments, ensuring they remain in line with economic conditions.

New Opportunities for Ages 60-63: Starting in 2025, the SECURE 2.0 Act introduces an additional catch-up contribution for individuals aged 60 through 63. This age group is recognized as being close to retirement, and typically having more disposable income to allocate towards their retirement savings. Under the new legislation, catch-up contributions can reach the greater of $10,000 or 50% more than the regular catch-up amount, amounting to a maximum of $11,250 in 2025. For SIMPLE plans, the calculation differs slightly, with a maximum catch-up of $5,250 (or $6,350 for businesses with no more than 25 employees).

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Mandatory Roth Contributions for Higher Earners: Effective January 1, 2026, employees earning more than $145,000 in the previous year from the plan-sponsoring employer will have to designate catch-up contributions as Roth contributions. This threshold will be adjusted for inflation in subsequent years.

  • Inflation-Adjusted: The $145,000 limit will increase over time to reflect inflationary changes.

  • For Employees Below the Threshold: Eligible employees may opt to make their catch-up contributions as Roth contributions.

  • If No Employer Roth Option: Employees earning above the threshold who do not have access to a designated Roth plan cannot make catch-up contributions.

  • New Employees: If an employee was with the employer for only part of the previous year, they must have earned above the Roth catch-up threshold for that full year to fall under the Roth allocation requirement.

Key Tax Planning Insights: This amendment presents strategic tax planning opportunities, allowing taxpayers to diversify their income sources. By investing in Roth accounts, retirees can mitigate future tax rate risks while accessing funds from both taxed and untaxed accounts. Roth plans offer tax-free withdrawals on both principal and earnings, provided certain conditions, such as being aged 59½ and satisfying the five-year rule, are met. Furthermore, Roth IRAs are advantageous for estate planning, as they do not require distributions during the original owner's lifetime.

  • Understanding the Five-Year Rule: For distributions to qualify as tax-free, they must occur after five consecutive taxable years from the first contribution date. Each plan maintains its own holding period, particularly relevant in cases where employees have multiple Roth 401(k) plans. Special provisions apply for Roth plan rollovers. Consult this office for comprehensive guidance.

Wise Timing Strategies: Planning Roth contribution timing is crucial. High-earning young professionals should initiate contributions early to satisfy the five-year holding requirement, while those nearing retirement need alternative approaches.

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For further inquiries or assistance, please contact our office.

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