Understanding Pension Catch-Up Contributions Post-SECURE 2.0

For individuals aged 50 and over, additional "catch-up" contributions to salary reduction plans such as 401(k), 403(b) TSA plans, 457(b) Government plans, and SIMPLE plans offer a vital opportunity to enhance retirement savings.

Catch-Up Contributions for Ages 50+: Currently, employees participating in 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans can contribute an additional $7,500 annually as catch-up contributions from 2023 through 2025. SIMPLE plan participants have a catch-up limit of $3,500. These amounts are subject to inflation adjustments.

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New Catch-Up Opportunity for Ages 60-63: The SECURE 2.0 Act introduces a novel opportunity starting in 2025 for individuals aged 60 to 63. Acknowledging the proximity to retirement, these individuals can make larger contributions. The new limit for this age group is the higher of $10,000 or 50% more than the standard catch-up contribution, maxing out at $11,250 for 2025. SIMPLE plans observe a different cap, allowing up to $5,250, or $6,350 for employers with a workforce of 25 or fewer.

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Mandatory Roth Contributions for Higher Earners: From January 1, 2026, individuals earning more than $145,000 in the prior year must allocate catch-up contributions as Roth contributions. This threshold will be adjusted for inflation over time.

  • Inflation Adjustments: The $145,000 threshold is set to adjust with inflation.

  • Options for Lower Earners: Employees earning below this level retain the choice to assign their catch-up contributions as Roth.

  • Lack of Employer-Designated Roth Plan: If an employer does not offer a Roth option, employees earning over the threshold cannot make catch-up contributions.

  • Partial Year Employment: An employee partly employed the prior year must exceed the threshold to be bound by the Roth requirement.

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Tax Planning Advantages: This legislative change presents significant tax planning opportunities. Contributing to Roth accounts can shield retirees from unpredictable tax fluctuations by offering access to both pre-tax and post-tax dollars. Roth accounts allow tax-free withdrawals, provided conditions, such as reaching age 59½ and adhering to the five-year rule, are satisfied, enhancing Roth's appeal for estate planning as they are not subject to distributions during the original owner’s lifetime.

  • Understanding the Five-Year Rule: Withdrawals are non-qualified if made before the five consecutive taxable years after the first contribution. Holding periods are plan-specific, so multiple Roth 401(k) participations could mean different holding periods. Especially relevant are rollovers, requiring a close analysis based on specific circumstances.

Timing of Contributions: High-income earners should strategize Roth contributions early to meet the five-year requirement, whereas those nearing retirement might explore other strategies.

If you require further guidance, feel free to contact our office for assistance.

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