Learning Center
We keep you up to date on the latest tax changes and news in the industry.

Unlocking Tax-Advantaged Retirement Savings: Catch-Up Contributions for 50+

For many nearing retirement, finding effective strategies to boost savings becomes crucial for ensuring long-term financial security. This article delves into catch-up contributions—an often underutilized yet highly beneficial tax-advantaged feature available to taxpayers aged 50 and over. We will explore various retirement plans and their specific provisions for catch-up contributions, empowering you to maximize your retirement savings.

Simplified Employee Pension Plans (SEP)

SEP IRAs provide a straightforward, tax-efficient way for self-employed individuals and small business owners to prepare for retirement. These plans allow for tax-deductible contributions with tax-deferred growth on investments, facilitating efficient accumulation of retirement funds over time. Image 2

While SEP IRAs do not offer specific catch-up contributions for older accounts, their high contribution limits—up to the lesser of 25% of employee compensation or $70,000 as of 2025—provide a robust mechanism for older individuals to enhance their savings aggressively. This remains a critical advantage for those looking to compensate for the lack of formal catch-up provisions.

Simple Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE)

SIMPLE IRAs and SIMPLE 401(k) plans allow for significant retirement savings enhancement. In 2025, the standard contribution limit is $16,500, with an additional $3,500 available as catch-up contributions for those aged 50 and over, enabling a total contribution of $19,000. This strategic provision is invaluable for accelerating savings as one approaches retirement.

Under the Secure 2.0 Act, contributors aged 60 to 63 benefit from elevated catch-up limits—$5,000 or 50% more than the standard amount, reaching $5,250 in 2025, and subsequently adjusted for inflation. Eligibility hinges on your age as of December 31: qualifying if you turn the qualifying age during the year. Image 1

Employer Matching - SIMPLE plans stipulate employer contributions in one of the following forms:

  • Matching Contribution: A dollar-for-dollar match up to 3% of compensation.

  • Non-Elective Contribution: A contribution of 2% of compensation, offered independent of employee input.

Schedule a Complimentary Consultation
Choose from our locations and meet with one of our qualified staff members. If you prefer to secure a Virtual Meeting via Zoom or Phone, please contact our offices at 877.908.1040
Schedule Here

Deferred Income Arrangements (401(k) Plans)

401(k) plans, a core component of many retirement strategies, offer flexible benefits through tax-deferred payroll contributions. For 2025, the contribution ceiling is $23,500, with those aged 50 and over eligible for a $7,500 catch-up addition—collectively permitting a $31,000 total contribution. Image 3

The Secure 2.0 Act augments this, setting the catch-up allowance at $11,250 for ages 60 to 63, optimizing contributions to $34,750. Eligibility is assessed based on your age by the year's end, qualifying based on the attained age.

Tax-Sheltered Annuity (TSA)

The 403(b) TSA accounts cater primarily to public school and tax-exempt organization employees, offering tax-deferred growth opportunities. In 2025, contributions can reach $23,500, with an additional $7,500 catch-up option for those 50 and over, augmenting savings prospects further.

A distinct "15-Year Rule" allows those with 15+ years at eligible employers to make further contributions up to $3,000 yearly, within lifetime limits, rewarding long-term service.

As with 401(k)s, TSAs permit special Secure 2.0 Act increments for ages 60 to 63, maximizing the 2025 contribution potential to $34,750.

Other Strategies to Increase Retirement Funds

  • Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) - Often seen only for short-term healthcare expenses, HSAs present a potent retirement strategy due to their triple tax advantage. Contributions are tax-deductible, growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for medical expenses are also tax-free, making HSAs a robust counterpart to traditional retirement accounts.

  • Strategic Roth IRA Contributions - With no required minimum distributions (RMDs), Roth IRAs provide ongoing tax-free growth potential, making them ideal for wealth preservation and reinvestment.

  • Contributions Beyond Age Barriers - The SECURE Act removes age restrictions on IRA contributions, extending the opportunity for retirees with earned income to continue saving tax-efficiently.

Astute tax planning is central to capitalizing on these strategies. Contact our office for guidance tailored to optimizing your retirement plans, ensuring substantial savings and peace of mind.

Schedule a Complimentary Consultation
Choose from our locations and meet with one of our qualified staff members. If you prefer to secure a Virtual Meeting via Zoom or Phone, please contact our offices at 877.908.1040
Schedule Here
Share this article...

Want tax & accounting tips and insights?

Sign up for our newsletter.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .

TAX DRx at a Glance

Our expertise is widespread and we have multiple office locations to make it convenient for you to get help. You can find us at:

TAX DRx Corporate Headquarters

502 Centennial Ave
Cranford, NJ 07016
(Grd St Pkwy - Ext 136)
(877) 263-1041

NYC - Harlem Franchise Office

2123 Frederick Douglass Blvd
New York, NY 10026
(8th Ave & 115th St.)
(Subway B, C, Bus M3)
(877) 263-1041

TAX DRx - Hillside

*Charles Dort, Managing Partner*
1568 Maple Ave, Store #1
Hillside, NJ 07205
(Corner of Conklin Ave)
(877) 408-1048

TAX DRx, dba/ TaxJohn

TaxJohn Tax Services
121 Park Ave
Plainfield, NJ 07060