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Significant Pension Catch-Up Contribution Modifications

For individuals aged 50 and above, enhancing retirement savings through additional annual “catch-up” contributions to salary reduction plans like 401(k) Deferred Compensation plans, 403(b) Tax-Sheltered Annuity Plans, 457(b) Government Plans, and SIMPLE plans has never been more crucial. These catch-up contributions allow for increased savings as you edge closer to retirement age.

Catch-up Contributions for Age 50+: Participants in 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans have had the privilege to contribute an additional $7,500 annually from 2023 through 2025, while participants in SIMPLE plans can add $3,500. Both figures are subject to inflation adjustments, reflecting the rising cost of living over time.

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Enhanced Catch-Up for Ages 60-63: Starting in 2025, the SECURE 2.0 Act introduces an additional layer for accelerating retirement savings. Those aged 60 through 63 will benefit from increased catch-up contribution limits pegged at the greater of $10,000 or 50% more than the regular catch-up amount, projected to cap off at $11,250. For SIMPLE plans, this uptick means a new catch-up limit of $5,250, or $6,350 if the employee count is 25 or lower. This initiative aims to optimize savings during the critical years immediately preceding retirement, providing a substantial cushion for future financial security.

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Mandatory Roth Contributions for Higher Incomes: A parallel adjustment effective January 1, 2026, mandates that those earning over $145,000 in the prior year must allocate their catch-up contributions as Roth contributions. This Roth classification will also adjust for inflation, ensuring fairness and equity over time.

  • Inflation-Adjusted Parameters: The threshold of $145,000 is indexed for inflation, reinforcing its relevance and applicability.

  • Optional Roth Designation: Employees below the income threshold can choose to make Roth-designated catch-up contributions voluntarily.

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If the supporting employer does not offer a designated Roth plan, catch-up contributions will not be permissible for employees surpassing the threshold.

  • Handling Partial Year Employment: Employees with an incomplete prior year with their employer remain subject to these Roth requirements in the current year, based on their complete previous year’s wages.

  • Strategic Tax Planning Benefits: Engaging in Roth contributions offers tax planning advantages. With access to both taxed and untaxed accounts, retirees can better manage tax volatility once they transition into retirement. Roth structures allow for tax-free withdrawals of both principal and earnings, contingent upon conditions including reaching age 59½ and the fulfillment of the five-year rule.

Understanding the Five-Year Rule: A pivotal element for Roth holders, this rule dictates that distributions won't qualify unless made five years after the initial Roth contribution, calculated separately for each plan. This framework underscores the importance of strategically timing entries in different Roth plans, especially in rollover scenarios.

Optimizing Timing: Employees should be attentive to their Roth contribution timeline, starting early to satisfy the five-year rule, thus optimizing their tax position upon retirement. For those nearing retirement, it may be prudent to consider alternative strategic options consistent with their financial goals.

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For further inquiries or specialized assistance, please reach out to our expert office. Leveraging these legislative changes can significantly impact your retirement readiness.

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