Catch-Up Contributions: What High Earners Need to Know

The IRS has finalized a major shift for 401(k) and workplace retirement savers: beginning in 2027, employees age 50 and over earning more than $145,000 at their current employer must make “catch-up” retirement contributions as Roth (after-tax) dollars—not pre-tax, as was long allowed. Some plans could roll out the change as early as 2026. For higher-income savers who are using these catch-ups to turbocharge retirement savings—and reduce taxable income—this marks a profound change.

As I told CNBC for their article, time is of the essence: “Now is the time to work with your advisor or tax preparer to run multi-year tax projections.” That means taking a proactive look at your savings strategy over the next year or two. Should you accelerate pre-tax catch-up contributions before the rule change lands? Is it smart to start embracing Roth sooner, especially if you expect your tax rate to be the same or higher in retirement? These questions become especially critical for high earners who have limited access to Roth IRAs and need to be thoughtful about their tax diversification.

The article underscores that catch-up contributions can make a real difference: in 2025, workers can defer up to $23,500 into a 401(k), plus $7,500 in catch-up at age 50+. Yet, data show that only about 16% of eligible participants actually use the catch-up feature—a figure skewed toward high earners. With the Roth requirement on the horizon, planning around your future cash needs and expected tax landscape has never been more crucial.

Bottom line: Don’t just “set it and forget it.” Sit down with a professional and use this brief window to be intentional about where you save and how much you’ll pay in taxes later. Proactivity now—whether that means front-loading pre-tax savings or starting the Roth transition with a clear plan—will make all the difference once these rules go into effect. The new landscape calls for thoughtful coordination, not last-minute scrambling.