The article explains upcoming changes to required minimum distribution (RMD) rules for retirees in 2026, including the age at which RMDs start, the elimination of RMDs for Roth 401(k) plans, and penalties for failing to take RMDs on time, emphasizing the importance of understanding these rules for retirement planning.
The SECURE 2.0 Act, signed into law in December 2022, introduces new rules affecting retirement contributions, notably requiring high-income taxpayers earning over $145,000 to make catch-up contributions on a Roth (after-tax) basis starting in 2027, which may influence retirement savings strategies and tax planning.
The Treasury and IRS issued final regulations on SECURE 2.0 Act provisions, including rules for Roth catch-up contributions for higher-income employees and increased contribution limits, with most rules applying from 2027 and guidance for plan administrators to comply with the new requirements.
The IRS is reminding individuals aged 73 and older to withdraw their required minimum distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts like IRAs before the end of the year, as mandated by the SECURE 2.0 Act. This legislation has increased the age for mandatory withdrawals from 70-and-a-half to 73, with a future increase to 75 by 2033. While delaying RMDs can help optimize Social Security benefits, it may also result in larger withdrawals due to account growth. Roth IRAs are exempt from RMDs, and workplace retirement plans may allow delays until retirement, except for significant business owners.
US stocks took a breather on Monday after reaching record highs last week, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 closing slightly lower. Investors are awaiting inflation data later this week, which could impact the market's rally. Berkshire Hathaway nears a $1 trillion market value, while Domino's Pizza and Coinbase saw stock movements. Additionally, the SECURE 2.0 Act allows student loan payments to contribute to retirement accounts, Ford delays shipping certain 2024 F-150 pickups, and stock buybacks are on the rise. Lastly, the FTC sues to block Kroger's acquisition of Albertsons, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average undergoes a shakeup.
The Secure 2.0 Act of 2022 allows employers to match workers' student loan payments with contributions to their retirement plans, aiming to help employees struggling to save for the future due to student debt. The provision, effective from Jan. 1, 2024, was inspired by Abbott's "Freedom 2 Save" program. While it may take time for the benefit to be widely adopted, interested workers can inquire with their employers and share Abbott's blueprint. The student debt 401(k) match allows eligible employees to receive a company contribution into their 401(k) by putting a percentage of their pay toward their student loan debt, with employers having the flexibility to set their own numbers.
Millions of Americans, particularly higher earners, are set to lose a popular 401(k) benefit due to changes brought about by the SECURE 2.0 Act. Starting in 2026, catch-up contributions for older, higher earners will have to be designated as after-tax Roth contributions instead of regular 401(k) ones. This change has significant tax implications and removes the upfront tax break offered by traditional 401(k)s for catch-up funds. While it may reduce tax savings for high earners in the short term, the shift to Roth accounts offers tax-free growth and withdrawals in retirement. However, it also means that affected individuals will see a decrease in their take-home pay as their contributions to Roth accounts will be deducted from their paychecks.
A recent survey by Voya found that 43% of Americans consider their retirement funds as their only form of emergency savings, with Black respondents, mothers, and those with lower incomes more likely to depend on those funds for emergencies. This highlights the need to help more Americans prepare for unexpected events that require a quick influx of cash. Legislation such as the SECURE 2.0 Act could help people save for emergencies without sacrificing their retirement goals, with employers offering holistic financial wellness solutions to support their employee base.