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Navigating New Pension Catch-Up Changes for 2025

For professionals approaching retirement age, strategic planning for pension contributions can significantly enhance their financial security. Notably, individuals aged 50 and above are allowed to make additional annual "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.

Catch-Up Contributions for Age 50+: For 2023 through 2025, these catch-up contributions have been set at $7,500 for 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans, while SIMPLE plans allow up to $3,500. These figures are subject to periodic inflation adjustments to maintain their real value.

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Introducing Age 60-63 Catch-Ups: As of 2025, the SECURE 2.0 Act introduces additional opportunities for individuals aged 60 to 63 to contribute more substantially. During these pivotal pre-retirement years, many find themselves in a financially comfortable position to enhance their retirement savings significantly. Accordingly, the Act boosts catch-up limits to the higher of $10,000 or 50% more than the standard catch-up contributions, with a potential cap at $11,250 for 2025 for those in this age group. SIMPLE plans are slightly different: they allow a maximum catch-up of $5,250, increasing to $6,350 for employers with no more than 25 employees.

Mandatory Roth Contributions for High Earners: Beginning January 1, 2026, individuals with prior year wages exceeding $145,000 from their employer must allocate catch-up contributions as Roth contributions. Despite this change, other employees can opt to designate their contributions as Roth if preferred. Employers lacking a designated Roth plan face restrictions, as employees over the income threshold cannot make catch-up contributions. If an individual worked only part of the previous year but still exceeds the wage threshold, the Roth catch-up designation would apply.

  • Inflation-Proof Thresholds: The $145,000 wage limit will be adjusted for inflation, ensuring its relevance over time.

  • Alternative Employee Allocations: Employees earning under the threshold can choose Roth allocations for their contributions.

  • Impact on Roth-Less Employers: Employers without Roth options preclude high earners from contributing catch-ups.

  • Annual Threshold Accountability: Employees with partial-year work histories must pass the income threshold to qualify for Roth requirements.

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Strategic Tax Planning: Maximizing Roth contributions can greatly benefit retirees by ensuring flexibility against fluctuating future tax rates, allowing access to both taxed and untaxed sources. Roth plans enable tax-free withdrawals of both contributions and growth if conditions like reaching age 59½ and fulfilling the five-year rule are met. Consequently, this offers a significant advantage for estate planning as original owners aren't mandated to make lifetime distributions.

  • Decoding the Five-Year Rule: Qualified distributions require a five-year waiting period from the first Roth contribution. Each day's allocation and plan maintains a separate holding period.

  • Consideration for Rollovers: Special conditions apply for rollovers; consult with the office for individual advice.

Timing and Financial Strategy: Optimal timing in contributing to Roth plans necessitates diligence, especially for younger, high-earning individuals who can fulfill the five-year holding before retirement. Those nearing retirement might benefit more from cautious strategizing to optimize their tax stance efficiently.

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If you have questions or require guidance concerning these changes, please don’t hesitate to reach out to this office for personalized advice.

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