Understanding New Pension Catch-up Contributions

For those aged 50 and above, additional annual "catch-up" contributions to salary reduction schemes such as 401(k) Deferred Compensation plans, 403(b) Tax-Sheltered Annuity plans, 457(b) Government plans, and SIMPLE plans provide a vital opportunity to boost retirement savings.

Catch-ups for Ages 50+: Employees participating in 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans have been able to contribute an additional $7,500 annually as catch-up contributions from 2023 through 2025. For SIMPLE plans, this amount is $3,500. These limits are subject to periodic adjustments in line with inflation.

Introducing Catch-ups for Ages 60-63: Commencing in 2025 under the SECURE 2.0 Act, individuals aged 60 through 63 can make enhanced catch-up contributions. Recognizing these years often see increased disposable income as retirement approaches, the Act raises catch-up limits to the greater of $10,000 or 50% above the standard catch-up contribution, leading to a maximum catch-up of $11,250 in 2025 for this age group. For SIMPLE plans, calculations differ, with a maximum catch-up cap of $5,250, or $6,350 for businesses with an employee count below 25.

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Roth Contribution Mandates for Higher Earners: Starting January 1, 2026, employees earning over $145,000 from the plan-sponsoring employer in the prior year must designate their catch-up contributions as Roth contributions. This threshold will be adjusted for inflation in subsequent years.

  • Inflation-adjusted Threshold: As mentioned, the $145,000 threshold will be adjusted for inflation.

  • Options for Other Employees: Employees eligible to make catch-up contributions, yet earning below this level, may choose to have them treated as Roth contributions.

  • When Roth Plans Aren’t Offered: Should an employer lack a designated Roth plan, employees exceeding the earnings threshold cannot make catch-up contributions.

  • No full-year Employment: Employees partially employed during the preceding year meet the Roth catch-up requirement only if their earnings from the employer exceeded the specified threshold.

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Strategic Tax Planning Opportunities: By strategically leveraging Roth accounts, retirees can mitigate the impact of potential shifts in future tax rates. Roth accounts allow tax-free withdrawals of both contributions and earnings, provided conditions like being over age 59½ and meeting the five-year rule are fulfilled, enhancing their attractiveness for estate planning, as no distributions are mandated within the original owner's lifetime.

  • The Five-Year Rule Explained: Withdrawals do not qualify as "qualified distributions" if made before completing five consecutive tax years post-initial contribution. Each Roth 401(k) plan an employee participates in will have distinct holding periods, affected by the initial contribution date. Special rules govern Roth plan rollovers; consult our office for further guidance.

Timing Is Key: Careful planning of Roth contributions is crucial. Younger employees on higher incomes stand to benefit by beginning contributions early to meet the mandated five-year holding period before retirement. Older employees approaching retirement may need alternative approaches.

For any inquiries or support needed, please contact our office for expert advice and tailored assistance.

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