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Significant Updates on Pension Catch-Up Contributions

For individuals aged 50 and over, there are opportunities to enhance retirement savings through additional "catch-up" contributions to various salary reduction plans, including 401(k) Deferred Compensation plans, 403(b) TSA plans, 457(b) Government plans, and SIMPLE plans.

Catch-Up Contributions for 50+: From 2023 through 2025, eligible individuals can contribute extra to their 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans. The cap for these contributions is $7,500, while SIMPLE plans allow for an additional $3,500. These limits are periodically adjusted to reflect inflation. Image 1

New Age 60-63 Catch-Up Opportunity: The SECURE 2.0 ACT, effective 2025, introduces a fresh catch-up scheme for individuals aged 60 through 63. Recognizing that these ages close to retirement often provide better financial freedom, the contribution maximum is set to the greater of $10,000 or 50% over the regular catch-up, reaching a $11,250 cap for the year 2025. SIMPLE plans calculate this differently, with a maximum of $5,250, or $6,350 for employers with 25 or fewer employees.

Roth Contributions for Higher Earners: Starting January 1, 2026, employees earning over $145,000 in the previous year from their plan sponsor must make Roth catch-up contributions.

  • Inflation-Adjusted Threshold: The $145,000 threshold will adjust for inflation in future years.
  • Flexibility for Lower Earners: Those under the income limit still have the option to designate catch-up contributions as Roth contributions.
  • Non-Availability of Designated Roth Plans: Employers lacking Roth plans will see employees over the income threshold barred from making such contributions.

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Tax Planning Advantages: Strategic tax planning can be significantly broadened through these amendments. Roth accounts allow withdrawals without tax implications on both contributions and gains, subject to conditions such as age and the five-year rule. Using Roth plans can be a robust estate planning tool, as they don’t require lifetime distributions.

  • Five-Year Rule Explained: A distribution is not deemed qualified if it occurs before five consecutive taxable years post-first contribution. Different plans may have varying holding periods based on when the first contribution was made, especially relevant if rollovers have been conducted.

Strategic Timing: Optimize the timing of your Roth contributions. High-income young employees should consider beginning Roth contributions early to meet the five-year rule before retirement. Those closer to retirement might explore other tactics. Image 3

If you have questions or require assistance, don't hesitate to contact Thompson-Smith CPA, LLC.

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