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Significant Updates for Retirement Catch-up Contributions

For individuals aged 50 and above, the opportunity to enhance their retirement savings with additional catch-up contributions to structured salary reduction plans such as 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), or SIMPLE plans remains a crucial financial strategy. These enhancements, part of a targeted approach for pre-retirement planning, have seen substantial updates in recent years.

Catch-up Contributions for Those Aged 50+: Historically, those over 50 could contribute an extra $7,500 to 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans, with SIMPLE plans allowing an extra $3,500, adjusted periodically for inflation. This policy remains in place through 2025, offering a buffer against inflationary impacts and cost-of-living adjustments.

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New Provisions for Ages 60 to 63 Catch-ups: Under the SECURE 2.0 Act, commencing in 2025, individuals aged 60 to 63 will experience an elevation in their catch-up limits to either $10,000 or 50% more than the defined contribution amount. This strategic adjustment is designed to align with the increased earning potential typically seen at this stage, thereby optimizing retirement fund accumulations. For SIMPLE plans, the upper limit is set at $5,250 and could reach $6,350 in smaller organizations with fewer than 25 employees.

Mandatory Roth Contributions for High Earners: Effective January 1, 2026, those earning above $145,000 in the previous year, from an employer offering a plan, must allocate their catch-up contributions to Roth accounts. Notably, the $145,000 threshold will adjust annually according to inflation rates, maintaining its contemporary relevance. For employers without designated Roth plans, compliance remains a challenge, as high-earning employees will be restricted from making catch-up contributions.

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  • Inflation-adjusted Thresholds: The $145,000 income cap adapts to inflating costs, allowing strategic fund allocations over time.
  • Eligibility for Others: Even those below the income threshold can choose to channel their savings into Roth plans, enhancing future financial security.
  • Complexities for Partial Year Employees: Workers employed part-year need to gauge their eligibility against full-year earnings to determine Roth suitability.

Implications for Tax Planning: The Roth account contributions present savvy taxpayers with a hedge against unpredictable future tax landscapes. Benefits like tax-exempt withdrawals on both contributions and accrued earnings make them a vital part of one's financial strategy, especially when paired with compliance to directives like the five-year rule and its stipulations for tax-free distribution.

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  • Explaining the Five-Year Rule: Contributions require a minimum five-year holding period before qualified withdrawals. Each plan has separately tracked durations for compliance.

Strategic Timing of Contributions: High-earning younger employees are well-positioned to start Roth contributions to meet the five-year rule before retirement becomes imminent, whereas those closer to retirement may explore alternatives to maximize their post-retirement potential.

If questions arise or further assistance is desired, please reach out to our office for specialized guidance tailored to navigating these significant changes.

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