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Important Pension Contribution Updates: What Small Business Owners Need to Know

For small business owners in the Inland Empire, particularly those in real estate, medical practices, and trucking, understanding the latest updates to pension contributions can provide a significant opportunity for strategic financial planning. The recent changes allow individuals aged 50 and above to make additional "catch-up" contributions to various salary reduction plans including 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), and SIMPLE plans.

Catch-Up Contributions for Ages 50+: Since 2023, those over 50 can contribute an extra $7,500 annually to 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans. SIMPLE plans offer a $3,500 catch-up. These amounts are adjusted periodically for inflation, providing flexibility to business owners planning for retirement.

New Catch-Up for Ages 60-63: Starting in 2025, the SECURE 2.0 Act introduces an added benefit for individuals aged between 60 and 63, offering increased catch-up limits. This allows a contribution that is either $10,000 or 50% more than the usual amount, yielding a potential maximum of $11,250. SIMPLE plans will differ slightly, with a maximum of $5,250 or $6,350 for businesses with 25 or fewer employees.

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Mandatory Roth Contributions for High Earners: Effective 2026, individuals earning over $145,000 must make their catch-up contributions as Roth contributions. This threshold will adjust for inflation, impacting high-income earners in our region’s key industries.

  • Inflation-Adjusted Thresholds: With the $145,000 limit subject to inflation, small business owners will need to stay updated on annual changes to ensure compliance.

  • Flexibility with Roth Plans: Employees below the threshold can still choose Roth contributions, even if the employer's plan doesn’t designate one, providing tax diversification.

  • Limitations Without Employer Roth Plans: Those at or above the wage threshold, without an employer Roth plan, cannot participate in catch-up contributions, an aspect to consider for growing businesses.

  • New Employees' Considerations: Prior year employment income is key; new employees exceeding the earnings limit face Roth catch-up requirements, affecting strategic hiring in fast-growing sectors.

Southern California Small Business Owners: Let’s Optimize Your Tax Strategy
Are you a small business owner in Inland Empire, Los Angeles, or Orange County? Let’s discuss tailored tax strategies designed specifically for small businesses in Southern California. Book your free consultation with a licensed CPA today.
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Strategic Tax Planning Opportunities: Roth accounts’ flexibility with tax-exempt withdrawals can be a strategic advantage in tax planning, particularly concerning potential future tax rate increases. This enhancement bolsters Roth's appeal as part of estate planning, as these accounts lack lifetime distribution requirements for original owners.

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  • Understanding the Five-Year Rule: For a withdrawal to qualify as tax-free, contributions must be held for at least five years, necessitating careful planning for business owners contributing across multiple Roth plans.

Planning Your Contributions: Those just beginning their career should consider starting Roth contributions early to satisfy the five-year rule, while those nearing retirement may need alternative strategies.

For tailored advice on how these changes might affect your business, contact our office. Navigating these updates effectively can enhance your financial health and ensure better tax outcomes upon retirement.

Southern California Small Business Owners: Let’s Optimize Your Tax Strategy
Are you a small business owner in Inland Empire, Los Angeles, or Orange County? Let’s discuss tailored tax strategies designed specifically for small businesses in Southern California. Book your free consultation with a licensed CPA today.
Book Your Appointment
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