Yyou can increase your 401(k) plan contributions once you turn 50 years old. The tax deductions you are eligible to claim for your catch-up contributions may result in an overage $1,000 annual tax bill reduction. Here’s how to benefit from your catch-up contribution to your 401(k):
2023 cap on 401(k) catch-up contributions.
In 2023, employees can defer paying income tax until $22,500 of contributions to the federal government’s 401(k), 403(b), and Thrift Savings Plans. You can be temporarily dismissed $30,000 of income taxes by making additional catch-up contributions to your 401(k) plan once you reach 50, up to a maximum of $7,500.
Contribution age for 401(k)s
Workers age 50 and older can increase their retirement savings in a 401(k) plan with catch-up contributions. Even if you are under 50, you can make catch-up contributions at any time during your 50th birthday.
The tax advantage of a 401(k) catch-up contribution
Making catch-up contributions can have significant tax advantages. A worker over 50 in the 35% tax bracket can save another $2,625 in taxes do not contribute the whole $30,000 in a 401(k), which will lower his tax liability by $10,500.
Contributing the same amount, a worker in the 24% tax bracket would save $7,200 in tax, $1,800 more than younger workers. Money in your 401(k) plan will not be subject to income tax until it is withdrawn. Plus, you’ll pay the lowest rate on 401(k) withdrawals if your tax bracket decreases after you retire.
How to Contribute to a Recovery Fund
If you are aged 50 or over in 2023, you can make a catch-up contribution by depositing between $22,500 and $30,000 in 401(k). The majority of 401(k) contributions come directly from an employee’s paycheck. A worker age 50 or older should contribute $2,500 per month, or $1,250 per paycheck twice a month, so they can fully benefit from a 401(k) plan.
It can be difficult for many older workers to escape $30,000 in a 401(k) plan. To fully benefit from remedial contributions, a worker does $100,000 would need to set aside 30% of their income. And in order to receive the greatest possible tax savings, one does $50,000 would need to put more than half of his income into a 401(k).
Catch-up Roth 401(k) Contributions
For Roth 401(k)s, catch-up payments are also allowed. Although you won’t receive an immediate tax advantage on the money you contribute to a Roth 401(k), you can position yourself for tax-free withdrawals in retirement and you won’t have to pay income taxes on the account’s investment gains.
