Navigating Pension Catch-up Contribution Reforms

As you approach retirement, understanding catch-up contributions is crucial for maximizing your retirement savings. Currently, individuals aged 50 and above can augment their contributions to various salary reduction plans such as 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), and SIMPLE plans. Let’s dive into some of the recent changes that could impact your financial strategy.

Expanded Opportunities for Age 50+: For those aged 50 and older, the catch-up contribution limit for 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans has remained steady at $7,500 for the years 2023 through 2025, whereas SIMPLE plans offer a $3,500 limit. These figures are subject to adjustments in line with inflation.

New Rules for Ages 60 to 63: Image 1 Starting in 2025, the SECURE 2.0 Act introduces a special provision for those aged between 60 and 63, recognizing these as pivotal years before retirement. The act allows for increased catch-up contributions—up to the greater of $10,000 or 50% more than the standard amount, resulting in a $11,250 maximum for 2025. SIMPLE plans calculate differently, with a maximum catch-up of $5,250, rising to $6,350 for organizations with fewer than 25 employees.

Roth Contributions for Higher Earners: Image 3 By January 1, 2026, those earning over $145,000 in the previous year from their employer will be required to make these catch-up contributions as Roth contributions. This threshold will adjust with inflation moving forward.

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  • Inflation-adjusted Income Threshold: Adjustments will keep pace with inflation to ensure fairness over time.
  • Options for Lower Earners: Employees earning below this income level can still opt for Roth contributions.
  • Roth-Compatible Plans Requirement: If an employer lacks a Roth plan, employees surpassing the income limit cannot make catch-up contributions.
  • Implications for New Employees: If you only began working partway through the prior year, you’re subject to the Roth requirements only if your wages exceeded the threshold throughout that time.

Tax Strategy and Planning: Leveraging these contribution rules can provide tax planning advantages. Roth contributions, in particular, offer tax-free withdrawals on both contributions and gains, meeting certain conditions like reaching 59½ years of age and satisfying the five-year rule.

  • Understanding the Five-Year Rule: Be aware any withdrawal from a Roth plan should occur after five consecutive taxable years to be tax-free. Distinct Roth accounts may have different timing for this withdrawal qualification.

Planning Your Contributions: Whether you’re a younger employee beginning your contributions or nearing retirement, it’s essential to strategize effectively. Starting Roth contributions early can help you meet the five-year rule before retirement. Those close to retirement might explore other strategies suited to their personal situation.

If this information resonates with you, our team can guide you through these changes step by step. Planning for the future doesn’t have to be daunting, and we're here to help. Feel free to contact our office for more information.

Virtual AI
If you’re ready to get a handle on your tax situation, reach out and we’ll guide you through each step.
Let’s Sort This Out
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