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Pension Catch-Up Contribution Overhaul: A 2025 Insight

As the landscape of retirement planning evolves, individuals aged 50 and over have opportunities to bolster their retirement savings through enhanced "catch-up" contributions. This includes various salary reduction plans such as 401(k) Deferred Compensation plans, 403(b) TSA plans, 457(b) Government plans, and SIMPLE plans.

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Enhanced Age 50+ Contributions: For investors in 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans, the existing catch-up limit has been set at $7,500 for the years 2023 through 2025, while SIMPLE plans have a $3,500 ceiling. These figures are subject to inflationary adjustments.

New Age 60-63 Contributions: Set to take effect in 2025, the SECURE 2.0 Act introduces an amplified catch-up contribution for those aged 60 to 63. An acknowledgment that these ages often bring higher available income for retirement planning, this initiative increases the catch-up limit to the greater of $10,000 or 50% more than the standard catch-up amount, enabling up to $11,250 as a maximum contribution in 2025. SIMPLE plan calculations differ slightly, with a cap of $5,250—or $6,350 for employers with up to 25 employees.

Mandatory Roth Contributions for High Earners: Beginning January 1, 2026, individuals earning over $145,000 in the preceding year from the plan-sponsoring employer must make these contributions as Roth contributions.

  • Inflation Adjustments: The $145,000 threshold will be adjusted in alignment with inflation.

  • Flexibility for Others: Employees who don't exceed this wage benchmark may still choose between traditional and Roth catch-up contributions.

  • Employer Plan Requirements: Without a designated Roth plan, employees surpassing the wage threshold are restricted from making catch-up contributions.

  • Specific Requirements: Part-year employees of the previous year who earn above the threshold must also adhere to Roth contributions if applicable.

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Strategic Tax Planning Advantages: Savvy taxpayers can employ these changes to diversify tax strategies. With Roth accounts, withdrawals of both contributions and earnings are tax-free if requirements such as the age 59½ threshold and the five-year rule are satisfied. This mechanism not only shields against varying future tax rates but also enhances estate planning opportunities, as Roth accounts do not mandate lifetime distributions for the original owner.

  • The Five-Year Rule Explained: A distribution's qualification depends on a five-year lapse since the first contribution. The timeline is plan-specific, which affects multiple Roth 401(k) plans distinctly, particularly with rollovers involved. For more nuanced scenarios, we invite inquiries to explore tailored strategies.

Timing and Maximal Benefit: Strategic timing of Roth contributions can be crucial—particularly for high-income earners approaching retirement. Starting contributions now can fulfill the five-year requirement conveniently.

To explore these updates further or require personalized guidance, please contact our office.

Schedule a Tax & Bookkeeping Strategy Appointment
Meet with a tax and bookkeeping professional who can review your situation, answer your questions, and provide clear recommendations tailored to you and your business. Full payment for this session will be applied toward your first month of ongoing services if you choose to work with us.
Book My Strategy Appointment
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