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Navigating SECURE 2.0: Enhancements to Pension Catch-up Contributions

Retirement planning is a critical component of financial well-being and the recent enhancements brought by the SECURE 2.0 Act significantly impact catch-up contributions for retirement plans. These updates are particularly pertinent for those nearing retirement age and provide compelling opportunities for strategic planning.

Individuals aged 50 and over are entitled to make additional annual “catch-up” contributions to various salary reduction plans, including 401(k) Deferred Compensation plans, 403(b) Tax Sheltered Annuity plans, 457(b) Government plans, and SIMPLE plans.

Age 50+ Catch-ups: For 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans, the allowable catch-up for individuals aged 50 and older has been set at $7,500 for the years 2023 through 2025. SIMPLE plans allow for a catch-up of $3,500. These limits are subject to periodic adjustments based on inflation.

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Age 60 through 63 Catch-ups: Beginning in 2025, the SECURE 2.0 Act introduces an additional catch-up for individuals aged 60 through 63, with the intent to facilitate bolstered retirement contributions during these pre-retirement years. The limit increases to the greater of $10,000 or 50% more than the existing catch-up figure, resulting in a 2025 threshold of $11,250. SIMPLE plans have a different structure with a cap at $5,250, escalating to $6,350 for small businesses with 25 or fewer employees.

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Mandatory Roth Contributions for High Earners: Come 2026, employees earning over $145,000 annually from the plan-sponsoring employer must allocate their catch-up contributions as Roth contributions, offering potential tax advantages.

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  • Inflation-Adjusted: The $145,000 income threshold will adjust annually with inflation.

  • Roth Designation for Others: Employees below the threshold have the flexibility to choose Roth contributions.

  • Employer Requirement: If the employer lacks a Roth plan, employees surpassing the income threshold cannot make catch-up contributions.

  • Partial-Year Employees: Employees employed for part of the prior year must also meet the income criterion for Roth catch-up applicability.

Strategic Tax Planning: By incorporating Roth contributions into their retirement strategy, taxpayers can hedge against uncertain future tax landscapes by retaining funds in both taxed and untaxed forms. Roth accounts facilitate tax-free withdrawals of contributions and earnings, subject to conditions like reaching age 59½ and satisfying the five-year rule, offering a compelling estate planning benefit due to the absence of required distributions during the original account owner's lifetime.

  • Five-Year Rule Clarification: A distribution is qualified if it’s taken five years after the first plan contribution. Separate holding periods exist across plans, and special provisions apply to Roth rollover contributions. Further clarification is available through our office.

Roth Contribution Timing: Taxpayers need to consider their Roth contribution timing strategically. Younger, high-income earners might benefit from initiating Roth contributions early to fulfill the five-year requirement before retirement, while those closer to retirement could explore alternative tactics.

For more tailored guidance and to address any queries, feel free to contact our office. Our expertise is designed to alleviate your financial concerns, allowing you to concentrate on growing your business.

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