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New Era for Pension Catch-Up Contributions

For individuals aged 50 years and older, contributing additional amounts to salary deferral plans like 401(k), 403(b), and SIMPLE plans remains a strategic move for enhancing retirement savings. This includes taking advantage of "catch-up" contributions specifically designed for those closer to retirement.

Enhancements for Age 50 and Over: Currently, catch-up contributions for 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans stand at $7,500 for the years spanning 2023 to 2025, while SIMPLE plans permit a $3,500 increase. These figures are subject to inflationary adjustments to preserve their value over time.

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New Opportunities for Ages 60-63: From 2025 onwards, the SECURE 2.0 Act introduces a larger catch-up opportunity for individuals aged 60 through 63. It's a pivotal period nearing retirement where many have the disposable income to amplify their nest eggs significantly. These catch-ups increase to the higher of $10,000 or 50% more than the established catch-up amount, culminating in a maximum of $11,250 for the year 2025. However, SIMPLE plans have a separate calculation resulting in a $5,250 maximum, adjusting to $6,350 for employers with 25 or fewer employees.

Mandatory Roth Contributions for High Earners: As of January 1, 2026, employees earning over $145,000 in the preceding year from the plan-sponsoring employer must make catch-up contributions as Roth contributions. This threshold will be indexed for inflation moving forward.

  • Inflation-Proofing: The $145,000 threshold will be periodically adjusted to align with inflationary pressures, ensuring it remains relevant.

  • Flexibility for Other Contributors: Employees falling below the income threshold retain the option to choose Roth contributions if they wish.

  • Without a Designated Roth Plan: Employers without a Roth option face limitations where high-earning employees cannot make catch-up contributions.

  • Partial Year Employment: The Roth contribution requirement applies only when the previous year's income exceeds the threshold, even for part-year employment at the sponsoring employer.

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Strategic Tax Planning Benefits: This legislative shift opens avenues for sophisticated tax strategies, particularly leveraging Roth accounts. These accounts can mitigate exposure to variable tax rates at withdrawal time, catering to both taxed and untaxed revenue streams. They uniquely benefit estate planning due to their exemption from mandatory withdrawals during the original owner's lifetime, provided that conditions such as meeting the five-year rule are satisfied.

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Understanding the Five-Year Rule: For a distribution to be qualified and thus tax-exempt, the Roth account must be held for at least five consecutive tax years post-initial contribution. This period is calculated separately for each plan in which the individual participates, which can result in multiple holding periods. Special rules apply if there have been rollovers involved, which may require close examination.

Optimizing Contribution Timing: Younger high earners may benefit from initiating Roth contributions now to satisfy the five-year rule before their retirement, while others closer to retirement might contemplate different strategies based on their unique circumstances.

If you have any questions or need further guidance, please don't hesitate to reach out to our office for personalized assistance.

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