Significant Updates on Pension Catch-Up Contributions

For individuals aged 50 and above, the opportunity to enhance their retirement savings through “catch-up” contributions remains vital in optimizing their pension plans. These additional contributions can be made to various salary reduction plans, such as 401(k) Deferred Compensation plans, 403(b) TSA plans, 457(b) Government plans, and SIMPLE plans.

Catch-Up Contributions for 50+: The catch-up contribution limit for those aged 50 and over in eligible 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans is set at $7,500 for the years 2023 through 2025, with SIMPLE plans offering a $3,500 limit. These amounts will periodically adjust in accordance with inflationary indexes.

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New Contributions for Ages 60 to 63: The introduction of the SECURE 2.0 Act sees a new provision effective from 2025 for taxpayers aged 60 to 63. This recognizes a critical phase where individuals nearing retirement might have increased disposable income to amplify their savings. The Act raises the catch-up contribution ceiling to the higher of $10,000 or 50% more than the standard catch-up amount, pegging the upper limit at $11,250 for 2025. For SIMPLE plans, this calculation is nuanced, leading to a cap of $5,250, or $6,350 for organizations with fewer than 25 employees.

Roth Contribution Mandate for High Earners: Commencing January 1, 2026, there’s a crucial shift for those earning over $145,000 from the plan-sponsoring employer in the preceding year. Such individuals must classify catch-up contributions as Roth, promoting strategic tax planning.

  • Annual Adjustment for Inflation: The $145,000 threshold will receive annual adjustments linked to inflation.

  • Flexibility for Others: Employees below this income threshold retain the option to choose either traditional or Roth for their catch-up contributions.

  • Absence of Roth Plans: In scenarios lacking designated Roth plans, high-earning employees won’t be able to make catch-up contributions.

  • Partial Employment Considerations: Employees who only worked part of the prior year will be impacted by this requirement if their wages surpass the threshold amount for the whole year from the same employer.

Key Tax Strategy Opportunities: This new framework opens avenues for tax strategy, allowing taxpayers to diversify their withdrawals between taxed and untaxed sources, thereby mitigating future tax rate uncertainties. Roth withdrawals are tax-exempt on both initial investments and their gains under specific conditions, such as being over 59½ and adhering to the five-year rule. This extends to estate planning, where Roth plans eliminate the necessity for distributions during the original owner’s lifetime.

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  • The Five-Year Rule Explained: To be classified as qualified, a distribution must occur beyond the initial contribution and within five taxable years of the plan. Holding periods are individually determined for each participated plan, with unique considerations for Roth 401(k) rollovers. For further guidance, consult with our office.

Considerations for Contribution Timing: Strategically planning the timing for Roth contributions is crucial. Young employees with higher incomes should consider beginning Roth contributions early to fulfill the five-year period by retirement, whereas those closer to retirement age might explore alternative strategies.

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