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Revolutionary Updates to Pension Catch-up Contributions

The landscape of retirement savings is evolving, offering new avenues for individuals aged 50 and over to bolster their pension via "catch-up" contributions. Employees in salary reduction plans, such as 401(k) Deferred Compensation plans, 403(b) TSA plans, 457(b) Government plans, and SIMPLE plans, are poised to benefit from these changes.

Expanded Catch-Up Contributions for 50+: From 2023 to 2025, individuals 50 and older can make catch-up contributions up to $7,500 for 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans. SIMPLE plans provide a $3,500 catch-up opportunity. These limits are subject to inflation adjustments, ensuring they remain effective in future years.

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SECURE 2.0 Act’s New Provisions for Ages 60-63: Starting in 2025, the SECURE 2.0 Act introduces additional catch-up contribution options for those aged 60 to 63. This strategic change acknowledges the nearing of retirement and typically higher disposable income, allowing for greater contributions to one's nest egg.

Summary of Key Changes: The Act amplifies catch-up limits to either $10,000 or 50% more than the standard catch-up limit, raising the cap for 2025 to $11,250 for taxpayers aged 60-63. For SIMPLE plans, calculations differ with a maximum of $5,250, increasing to $6,350 for employers with fewer than 25 employees.

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Mandatory Roth Contributions for High Earners: Effective January 1st, 2026, employees earning over $145,000 in the previous year must designate catch-up contributions as Roth contributions. This threshold will adjust with inflation, ensuring continued relevance.

  • Options for Lower Earners: Those below the income threshold may choose to make Roth catch-up contributions, offering flexibility in retirement planning.

  • Lack of a Roth Plan: If an employer does not offer a Roth plan, catch-ups for employees above the income threshold are not permitted.

  • Consideration of Employment History: Partial year employment can impact eligibility under this rule, with implications if earnings exceed the threshold in the prior year.

Tax Strategy Opportunities: This legislation opens doors for dynamic tax planning. Roth contributions mitigate risks associated with variable future tax rates by offering tax-free withdrawals on both principal and earnings, given certain conditions, such as being older than 59½ and adhering to the five-year holding rule.

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  • Understanding the Five-Year Rule: Distributions must fulfill the five-year holding period to qualify as tax-free. Different plans have varying timelines, notably affecting rollover implications. Consulting with a specialist at Martinez & Shanken PLLC can provide tailored advice.

Strategic Timing: Wise planning is crucial for the timing of Roth contributions. Young professionals should aim to meet the five-year criterion before retirement, whereas those closer to retirement may need differentiated strategies.

If you have further inquiries or need personalized guidance, please contact our expert team at Martinez & Shanken PLLC in Gilbert, AZ.

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