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Key Updates in Retirement Catch-Up Strategies

Individuals aged 50 and above are entitled to supplement their retirement savings through additional "catch-up" contributions to various salary reduction plans such as 401(k) Deferred Compensation plans, 403(b) TSA plans, 457(b) Government plans, and SIMPLE plans.

Enhanced Contributions for Age 50+: Catch-up contributions for those aged 50 and beyond have been set at $7,500 annually for 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans from 2023 through 2025. SIMPLE plans allow a more modest $3,500. These figures are subject to periodic adjustments in line with inflation trends.

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Introducing Age 60-63 Catch-Ups: Launching in 2025, the SECURE 2.0 Act introduces another layer of catch-up opportunities for those aged 60 through 63. Recognizing these years as crucial pre-retirement phases, the Act offers increased savings potential where the contribution limits rise to either $10,000 or 50% more than the standard catch-up amount. Consequently, the catch-up cap for 2025 becomes $11,250 for this demographic, with the SIMPLE plan limit differing slightly at $5,250, and even $6,350 for organizations with no more than 25 employees.

Mandatory Roth Contributions for High Earners: Commencing January 1, 2026, employees earning over $145,000 from the prior year at the sponsoring employer will need to channel their catch-up contributions as Roth contributions.

  • Inflation and Income Thresholds: The $145,000 income threshold will adjust for inflation over time.
  • Roth Options for Lower Incomes: Other employees qualifying for catch-up contributions may likewise opt for Roth allocations.
  • Absence of Employer Designated Roth Plans: Where employers lack a designated Roth plan, those surpassing the income limit cannot make catch-up contributions.
  • Employment Duration Insights: An employee whose tenure at the sponsoring company was partial in the preceding year faces the Roth catch-up mandate only upon exceeding the full yearly wage threshold from that employer.

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Strategic Tax Considerations: Embracing Roth accounts opens avenues for tactical tax diversifications. Benefiting from tax-free withdrawals on both the principal and accrued gains, provided conditions such as attaining age 59½ and fulfilling the five-year rule, Roth accounts remain compelling, particularly when no required minimum distributions are imposed during the owner's lifetime.

  • Understanding the Five-Year Rule: A distribution qualifies only post five successive taxable years from the inaugural contribution. This rule demands distinct adherence per each Roth 401(k) if an employee engages in multiple plans.

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Navigating Contribution Timing: Carefully timed Roth contributions can be advantageous. Younger, high-income professionals should consider beginning early to satisfy the five-year prerequisite pre-retirement, while those approaching retirement could benefit from alternative approaches.

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