How catching up in your contributions works

Contributions to a traditional 401(k) plan are limited to $19,000 in 2019. Those who are over age 50 – or who reach age 50 before the end of the year – may be eligible to set aside up to $25,000 in 2019.³

Setting aside an extra $6,000 each year into a tax-deferred retirement account has the potential to make a big difference in the eventual balance of the account, and by extension, in the eventual income the account may generate. (See accompanying chart)

Catch-Up Contributions and the Bottom Line

This chart traces the hypothetical balances of two 401(k) plans in comparison. The blue line traces a 401(k) account into which the maximum regular annual contributions are made each year, without any catch-up contributions. The green line traces a 401(k) account into which the maximum regular and full catch-up contributions are made each year.

Upon reaching retirement at age 67, both accounts begin making payments of $4,000 a month.

The hypothetical account without catch-up contributions will be exhausted by the time its beneficiary reaches age 83, while the account utilizing catch-up contributions remains unexhaustive.

This hypothetical example is used for comparison purposes and is not intended to represent the past or future performance of any investment. Fees and other expenses were not considered in the illustration. Actual returns will fluctuate, putting into consideration to following terms.

Both accounts assume an annual, 5%  rate of return. The rate of return on investments varies over time, particularly for longer-term investments. Contributions to and withdrawals from both accounts have been increased by 2% each year to account for potential 2% inflation. By these presupposed functions, we see comparative growth between the two hypothetical accounts.

Under the SECURE Act, in most circumstances, you must begin taking required minimum distributions from your 401(k) or other defined contribution plan in the year you turn 72. Withdrawals from your 401(k) or other defined contribution plans are taxed as ordinary income, and if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty.

1. EBRI, 2019 Retirement Confidence Survey
2. Economic Growth and Tax Relief Act of 2001
3. IRS, 2018. Catch-up contributions also are allowed for 403(b) and 457 plans. Distributions from 401(k) plans and most other employer-sponsored retirement plans are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty. Under the SECURE Act, in most circumstances, you must begin taking required minimum distributions from your 401(k) or other defined contribution plan in the year you turn 72.