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Major Updates to Pension Catch-up Contributions in 2025

For individuals aged 50 and above, there's an opportunity to make 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.

Catch-up Contributions for Age 50+: For the 2023 through 2025 period, 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans have set the catch-up contribution limit at $7,500 for those aged 50 and over, while SIMPLE plans allow a $3,500 catch-up. These figures will be adjusted periodically for inflation, ensuring the savings stretch further.Image 1

Expanded Contributions for Ages 60-63: With the introduction of SECURE 2.0 Act in 2025, a new catch-up provision has been implemented for those between the ages of 60 and 63, reflecting a time when many are aiming to boost their retirement savings significantly. The act allows an increase in catch-up contribution limits to either $10,000 or 50% higher than the regular catch-up amount, whichever is greater. In practical terms, this means a potential maximum catch-up of $11,250 in 2025 for these ages. SIMPLE plans differ, offering a maximum of $5,250, scaling to $6,350 if the employer employs no more than 25 people.

Roth Contributions Mandate for High Earners: Beginning January 1, 2026, those earning over $145,000 in the previous year from an employer sponsoring the plan will need to make catch-up contributions as Roth contributions. Image 3

  • Inflation Adjustments: This $145,000 threshold will rise with inflation in subsequent years.
  • Contribution Flexibility: Employees earning less are still eligible to designate catch-up contributions as Roth contributions.
  • Plan Limitations: If an employer lacks a designated Roth plan, employees exceeding the catch-up wage threshold cannot make these contributions.
  • No Full-year Employment: Employees who haven't worked the full prior year are subject to the Roth catch-up only if wages surpass the full-year threshold.

Strategic Tax Opportunities: These amendments open fresh avenues for tax planning. Roth accounts are particularly valuable, offering tax-free withdrawals of both contributions and earnings, subject to certain conditions like the five-year rule and the contributor being aged 59½. These accounts foster an advantageous strategy for managing variable future tax rates and enhance estate planning due to the absence of mandatory lifetime distributions for the original owner.

Understanding the Five-Year Rule: This rule stipulates that distributions taken within five years of the first contribution are not considered qualified. Each plan has its own holding period, independent of others unless there are rollovers, which may alter these timelines. For a detailed understanding and specific advice, reaching out to your financial advisor is recommended.Image 2

Smart Timing for Contributions: The timing of Roth contributions can maximize their future benefits. High-income younger employees should consider initiating Roth contributions early to fulfill the five-year holding requirement well ahead of retirement. Meanwhile, those closer to retirement should devise alternative strategies to optimize their savings.

If you need further clarification or assistance, feel free to contact our office for guidance.

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