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Major Updates to Retirement Contribution Limits

For those aged 50 and above, the opportunity to enhance retirement savings through additional “catch-up” contributions to salary reduction plans such as 401(k) Deferred Compensation, 403(b) TSA, 457(b) Government, and SIMPLE plans is a significant financial strategy.

Age 50+ Catch-ups: In the realm of retirement planning, individuals utilizing 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans have witnessed a consistent catch-up limit of $7,500 from the years 2023 through 2025, with SIMPLE plans offering a $3,500 limit. These thresholds are periodically adjusted in accordance with inflation, providing a buffer against rising costs.

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Age 60 through 63 Catch-ups: Commencing in 2025, the SECURE 2.0 Act introduces an enhanced mechanism for taxpayers aged 60 to 63, allowing them to potentially contribute up to $11,250 — the greater of $10,000 or 50% more than the regular catch-up amount for that year. SIMPLE plan participants see a slightly different structure, with a maximum contribution of $5,250, and for organizations with 25 or fewer employees, it increases to $6,350.

Mandatory Roth Contributions for High Earners: From January 1, 2026, a mandatory change demands that catch-up contributions be classified as Roth contributions for employees earning over $145,000 in the prior year, from the employer sponsoring the plan.

  • Inflation-Adjusted: The income threshold is set to be adjusted with inflation, ensuring relevant economic adjustments.
  • Employees Below Threshold: Those below the income cap retain the choice to opt for Roth the designation for their catch-up contributions.
  • Non-availability of Employer Roth Plan: If no Roth plan is available through the employer, employees earning above the defined threshold cannot execute catch-up contributions.
  • No Previous Year Employment: Employees who partially worked for an employer in the previous year will fall under the Roth contribution requirement if their earnings surpassed the full income threshold.

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Key Tax Planning Insights: This legislative change heralds a fresh approach for strategic tax planning. Leveraging Roth accounts diminishes exposure to future tax rate fluctuations, as distributions — both contributions and accrued growth — are tax-exempt under certain conditions (e.g., reaching 59½ years and satisfying the five-year rule). Roth plans are increasingly pivotal in estate planning due to the lack of mandatory distributions for account holders.

  • Five-Year Rule Explanation: Withdrawals qualify only if made at least five years post initial plan contribution. Defined holding periods per plan necessitate careful strategic planning, especially with Roth account rollovers. Professional guidance is recommended to navigate these nuances.

Strategic Timing: High-earning younger employees are advised to initiate Roth contributions early to meet the necessary holding period well before retirement. Alternatives might be more viable for those approaching retirement.

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For further inquiries or personalized advice, contact our office.

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