Enhance Retirement Savings: Key Catch-Up Strategies for Taxpayers 50+

Approaching retirement often drives many Americans to seek methods for amplifying their savings to ensure long-term financial tranquility. Significant among these methods are the lesser-known "catch-up" contributions—a potent tool specially crafted for those aged 50 and above looking to boost their retirement funds before leaving the workforce.

Below, we delve into prominent retirement plans—illustrating their unique benefits and catch-up provisions to empower older taxpayers as they strategize their financial future.

SIMPLIFIED EMPLOYEE PENSION PLANS (SEP)

SEP IRAs offer an uncomplicated, tax-beneficial way for small business owners and the self-employed to save for retirement. Contributions to these plans are tax-deductible and grow tax-deferred, enhancing long-term savings growth. While SEP IRAs lack a specific catch-up contribution feature, they boast high contribution limits. Offering up to the lesser of 25% of compensation or $70,000 by 2025, SEP IRAs allow older participants to stockpile considerable savings.

SIMPLE SAVINGS INCENTIVE MATCH PLAN FOR EMPLOYEES (SIMPLE)

For 2025, SIMPLE IRAs and SIMPLE 401(k) plans have a baseline contribution limit of $16,500. Older participants—age 50 and above—can contribute an additional $3,500, culminating in a total cap of $19,000. Enhanced by the Secure 2.0 Act, contributors aged 60 to 63 enjoy an increased catch-up capacity, with the limit reaching the greater of $5,000 or 50% more than the standard. Notably, these limits are inflation-adjusted moving forward, maintaining relevance as living costs rise.

Image 1

Each of these contributions depends on your age as of December 31, meaning those who cross these age thresholds within the year may benefit from these provisions.

DEFERRED INCOME ARRANGEMENTS (401(k) PLANS)

401(k) plans, or CODAs, empower employees to channel a portion of their salary into retirement savings with tax efficiency. As of 2025, individuals can defer up to $23,500 annually, with those over 50 eligible for an additional $7,500, tallying up to $31,000. Similar to SIMPLE accounts, the Secure 2.0 Act elevates the catch-up potential for those aged 60 to 63, pushing the contribution ceiling to $34,750 for 2025.

Image 2

TAX SHELTERED ANNUITY (TSA)

403(b) TSAs are a staple for public school employees and non-profit workers. Offering tax-deferred growth, these plans have a contribution guideline of $23,500 for 2025, with an added $7,500 catch-up provision for individuals aged 50+. Additionally, the long-standing “15-Year Rule” provides lifelong employees an extra $3,000 annually—making it an essential option for committed education professionals.

Secure Act updates ensure those turning 60 through 63 enjoy the highest possible contribution limits akin to 401(k)s, providing key financial leverage for those nearing retirement.

ALTERNATIVE RETIREMENT STRATEGIES

  • Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) - Beyond addressing immediate medical expenses, HSAs deliver triple tax advantages on contributions, growth, and withdrawals, supporting strategic retirement savings akin to IRAs.
  • Strategic Roth IRA Contributions - Without required minimum distributions, Roth IRAs empower retirees with continued growth potential and tax-free withdrawal opportunities, complementing existing retirement strategies.
  • Image 3
  • Post-70½ Contributions - With the SECURE Act abolishing contribution age limits for traditional IRAs, older Americans maintain the ability to fortify their funds, provided they have earned income.

Effective bolstering of retirement savings mandates insightful tax planning. Feel free to contact our office for customized counsel to optimize your retirement landscape.

Share this article...

Want our best tax and accounting tips and insights delivered to your inbox?

Sign up for our newsletter.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .
Let us take your tax and small business needs off your hands today.