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Significant Updates to Pension Catch-up Contributions

Individuals aged 50 and over have unique opportunities to enhance their retirement savings by making additional annual “catch-up” contributions to various salary reduction plans. These include 401(k) Deferred Compensation plans, 403(b) TSA plans, 457(b) Government plans, and SIMPLE plans.

Age 50+ Catch-up Benefits: For popular plans like 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b), the permitted catch-up contributions for those 50+ years old have been set at $7,500 for the years 2023 through 2025. SIMPLE plans, in comparison, allow for $3,500. These figures are subject to periodic adjustments in line with inflation.

Introducing Age 60 through 63 Enhancements: Beginning in 2025, the SECURE 2.0 ACT introduces an additional layer for taxpayers aged 60 through 63. This initiative acknowledges that these are often prime years for retirement savings as individuals might have increased available income. The Act raises catch-up limits to the greater of $10,000 or 50% more than the regular catch-up amount, meaning a maximum potential catch-up of $11,250 for this age group in 2025. For SIMPLE plans, calculation differs slightly, allowing a maximum catch-up of $5,250 (or $6,350 if the employer has 25 employees or fewer).

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Mandatory Roth Designation for High Earners: As of January 1, 2026, employees earning over $145,000 in the previous year from their plan’s sponsoring employer will need to make catch-up contributions as Roth contributions. This threshold will also adjust with inflation in subsequent years.

  • Inflation-Indexed: Expect adjustments to the $145,000 baseline according to inflation trends.

  • Options for Employees Below the Threshold: Others eligible for catch-up contributions can choose to designate these as Roth contributions if preferred.

  • Challenges Without a Roth Plan: Employers without a designated Roth plan cannot accommodate catch-up contributions from employees surpassing this wage threshold.

  • Partial Year Employment Considerations: Employees with limited employment history may face specific criteria regarding Roth catch-up applicability, particularly if their wages meet or exceed the threshold for the respective year.

Key Tax Strategy Opportunities: Roth contributions create substantial strategic tax planning benefits, offering a foundation for diversified future tax risk management through both taxed and tax-free accounts. The benefits of Roth accounts—tax-exempt withdrawals from both contributions and earnings—become especially appealing in estate planning since they avoid obligatory distributions during the original owner’s life.

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  • Elucidating the Roth Five-Year Rule: Withdrawals aren’t considered qualified distributions unless made after the initial five consecutive taxable years have lapsed since the first plan contribution. Each plan tends to have separate holding periods, necessitating smart management of contribution timings. Special rollover rules may also apply. Consult with our office for full clarity.

Optimal Timing Tactics: It’s advantageous for younger, high-income employees to commence Roth contributions early to ensure the five-year requirement is met well before retirement. Those nearing retirement may need alternative solutions to maximize their tax efficiency.

If you have questions or require personalized guidance, please feel free to contact our office.

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