Understanding Pension Catch-up Contributions: Key Updates

For individuals aged 50 and above, the opportunity to enhance retirement savings through catch-up contributions is a significant advantage. These additional contributions apply to a variety of salary reduction plans, including 401(k) Deferred Compensation plans, 403(b) Tax Sheltered Annuity plans, 457(b) Government plans, and SIMPLE plans. These catch-ups are especially crucial as individuals approach retirement, offering them the ability to boost their savings at a time when earnings are typically at a peak.

Age 50+ Catch-up Contributions: Participants in 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans can contribute an extra $7,500 annually from 2023 through 2025, with SIMPLE plan participants allowed an additional $3,500. Notably, these limits are subject to periodic inflation adjustments, ensuring they remain in line with the cost of living increases.

Image 1

New Catch-ups for Ages 60-63: Starting in 2025, the SECURE 2.0 Act introduces a new layer of catch-up contributions for individuals aged 60 to 63. Recognizing the shift towards retirement planning, this law enhances contribution limits to the greater of $10,000 or 50% more than the standard catch-up amount, resulting in a maximum of $11,250 for this age bracket in 2025. SIMPLE plans allow a slightly different maximum catch-up of $5,250, or $6,350 for employers with no more than 25 employees.

Mandatory Roth Contributions for High Earners: From January 1, 2026, a pivotal change will be enacted for employees earning over $145,000 in the previous year from the sponsoring employer. These individuals must now designate their catch-up contributions as Roth, providing after-tax savings benefits. This $145,000 threshold will be adjusted for inflation in subsequent years. For those whose income falls below this threshold, catch-up contributions remain optional for Roth designation.

Image 2

  • Without a Designated Roth Plan: If an employer lacks a Roth option, employees exceeding the Roth catch-up wage threshold cannot make catch-up contributions.
  • No Prior Year Employment: An employee with significant annual earnings from partial year employment at the sponsoring employer may still meet the requirement for Roth contributions.

Strategic Tax Planning Opportunities: This legislative amendment opens new avenues for tax planning. Roth accounts allow retirees to manage tax liabilities effectively, enjoying tax-free withdrawals of contributions and accrued gains when conditions, such as the five-year rule and reaching age 59½, are fulfilled. Roth accounts are also a strategic estate planning tool as they do not mandate distributions during the lifetime of the original account holder.

  • Clarifying the Five-Year Rule: A distribution is non-qualified if made before the completion of five consecutive taxable years post initial contribution. Each plan holds a distinct timeline, especially when multiple Roth 401(k)s or plan transfers are involved. Consult with professional advisors for specific advice tailored to your circumstances.
Image 3

Timing Considerations: Thoughtful timing of Roth contributions is pivotal. Younger high-income earners may benefit from starting contributions sooner to satisfy the five-year requirement as retirement approaches, while older individuals should consider alternative strategies to maximize their financial position.

For any queries or personalized advice, feel free to reach out to our office. Our experts are ready to assist you in optimizing your retirement contributions and overall financial strategy.

Share this article...

Want tax & accounting tips and insights?

Sign up for our newsletter.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .