Significant Updates to Retirement Account Catch-up Contributions

For individuals aged 50 and over, retirement account planning offers an additional advantage in the form of “catch-up” contributions. This provision allows extra contributions to plans such as 401(k) Deferred Compensation, 403(b) Tax-Sheltered Annuities, 457(b) Government plans, and SIMPLE IRA plans to help bolster retirement savings.

Catch-up Contributions for Those Aged 50+: Currently, the catch-up contribution limit for individuals aged 50 and over is set at $7,500 for 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans, while SIMPLE plans have a limit of $3,500. These thresholds, established for 2023 through 2025, are subject to periodic inflation adjustments.

Image 2

Ages 60 to 63 Catch-ups: A new provision introduced by the SECURE 2.0 Act starting in 2025 allows individuals aged 60 through 63 to make even larger catch-up contributions. Acknowledging these years as critical for maximizing retirement funds, the act increases the contribution ceiling to the higher of $10,000 or 50% more than the standard catch-up amount. Therefore, for 2025, eligible participants could contribute up to $11,250. SIMPLE plans have a different calculation, with a cap of $5,250, which could rise to $6,350 for organizations with 25 or fewer employees.

Mandatory Roth Contributions for High-Earners: Commencing January 1, 2026, high-income employees earning more than $145,000 in the previous tax year from the sponsoring employer must classify all catch-up contributions as Roth contributions. This threshold is also set to adjust with inflation each year.

  • Inflation-Adjusted Income Limit: The $145,000 limit will see periodic inflation adjustments.

  • Designation Option: Employees eligible for catch-up contributions below this income threshold can choose to designate these as Roth contributions.

  • Lack of Roth Plan Provision: If an employer does not offer a Roth option, employees exceeding the income threshold cannot make catch-up contributions.

  • Partial Year Employment: Employees hired only partway through the previous year must meet the threshold to qualify for Roth catch-up contributions.

Strategic Tax Planning Opportunities: This legislative change presents a strategic avenue for expanding tax planning methods. Utilizing Roth accounts enables retirees to buffer their financial position against future unpredictable tax rates, with tax-free access to both contributions and gains upon satisfying conditions, such as reaching age 59½ and completing a five-year holding period.

Image 3
  • Understanding the Five-Year Rule: To qualify for tax-free withdrawal, no distributions should occur until five taxable years have lapsed since the first contribution to the plan. Distinct plans might have different five-year periods depending on the start date of contribution.

Consider Timing: The timing of Roth contributions is critical. Younger, high-income employees should consider starting Roth contributions early to complete the five-year requirement ahead of retirement, whereas those nearing retirement may need to explore alternative approaches.

For any questions or to seek further guidance, please reach out to our office.

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 .