What are the new 401k rules for 2025?

Asked by: Savannah Runte  |  Last update: April 3, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (53 votes)

Taxpayers will be able to contribute up to $23,500 to their company's 401(k) in 2025, which is up from $23,000 in 2024. The total contribution limit from both the employee and their employer also rises to $70,000 in 2025. Employees over the age of 50 can make an additional “catch-up contribution” of $7,500.

What are the 401k changes for 2025?

Starting in 2025, employees can defer $23,500 into 401(k) plans, up from $23,000 in 2024. The catch-up contribution limit remains at $7,500 for investors age 50 and older. "This higher ceiling isn't just a win for high earners," said CFP Jon Ulin, managing principal of Ulin & Co.

What are the new rules for 401k withdrawals?

Since Jan. 1, 2024, however, a new IRS rule allows retirement plan owners to withdraw up to $1,000 for unspecified personal or family emergency expenses, penalty-free, if their plan allows.

What is the solo 401k limit for 2025?

Solo 401(k) limits for 2025

As the employee, you can contribute up to $23,500, or 100% of compensation, whichever is less, by December 31, 2025. Those 50 or older get to contribute an additional $7,500. People ages 60 to 63 get a higher catch-up contribution of $11,250 due to the Secure 2.0 Act.

What is the downside of a Solo 401k?

There is a downside, however, since setting up and managing the plan is usually a bit more intensive. You'll have to file a special form with the IRS each year if your account balance exceeds $250,000, and you may find that the fees are somewhat higher than what you'd pay for an IRA.

New 401K Rules in 2025 – Major Changes You Need to Know!

31 related questions found

Is Backdoor Roth still allowed in 2025?

Backdoor Roth IRA income limits

The phaseout occurs between $150,000 and $165,000 for single filers and $236,000 and $246,000 for joint filers in 2025. The backdoor method allows those with higher incomes who can't contribute in the typical manner to still take advantage of a Roth IRA.

Can I contribute full $6,000 to IRA if I have a 401k?

Do you have a 401(k) plan through work? You can still contribute to a Roth IRA (individual retirement account) and/or a traditional IRA as long as you meet the IRA's eligibility requirements. It usually makes sense to contribute enough to your 401(k) account to get the maximum matching contribution from your employer.

What is the cola limit for 2025?

Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Information for 2025

The maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) will increase to $176,100. The earnings limit for workers who are younger than "full" retirement age (see Full Retirement Age Chart) will increase to $23,400.

How do I avoid 20% tax on my 401k withdrawal?

Consider a Roth IRA conversion or IRA rollover

If you're still saving for retirement, you could also consider converting a portion of your 401(k) to a Roth account. You'll owe tax on the amount of your Roth conversion in the year that you convert, but you probably won't owe any additional taxes during your lifetime.

What is the new 401k law in 2024?

Highlights of changes for 2024. The contribution limit for employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), and most 457 plans, as well as the federal government's Thrift Savings Plan is increased to $23,000, up from $22,500. The limit on annual contributions to an IRA increased to $7,000, up from $6,500.

What is the RMD for 2025?

Starting at age 59½, an investor begins making annual withdrawals up to the limit of the 24% federal tax bracket in 2025. Drawing down their account reduces their RMD income starting at age 75, keeping them out of the 32% federal tax bracket in retirement.

What are the new retirement rules for 2025?

Higher contribution limits

Taxpayers will be able to contribute up to $23,500 to their company's 401(k) in 2025, which is up from $23,000 in 2024. The total contribution limit from both the employee and their employer also rises to $70,000 in 2025.

What are the tax changes for 2025?

The income levels in 2025 for the 0%, 15%, and 20% capital gains rates have all increased by 2.8%. In 2025, single filers with taxable income up to $48,350 and joint filers with adjusted gross income (AGI) up to $96,700 will pay 0% on any long-term gains. Most people will pay 15%.

What is the able contribution limit for 2025?

A contribution is the deposit of funds into an ABLE account. Any person may contribute to an ABLE account for an eligible beneficiary. Typically, contributions for an ABLE account may not exceed the annual gift tax exemption ($19,000 in 2025).

At what age is IRA withdrawal tax-free?

If you wish to withdraw your earnings from a Roth IRA without paying taxes, you must be 59½ and must have held the Roth IRA for at least five years. Exceptions to these requirements include: Becoming disabled and needing the funds to live on. Needing Roth funds of up to $10,000 to buy your first home.

Why is a Roth 401k bad?

If you have a Roth 401(k), you cannot contribute more than what you earn at the company that holds your plan. With most retirement accounts, you can't access the money you contribute or any investment earnings before retirement age without incurring a 10% early withdrawal penalty, plus any applicable income taxes.

Can I deduct both IRA and 401k contributions?

Yes, you can have both accounts and many people do. The traditional individual retirement account (IRA) and 401(k) provide the benefit of tax-deferred savings for retirement. Depending on your tax situation, you may also be able to receive a tax deduction for the amount you contribute to a 401(k) and IRA each tax year.

What is the 401k limit for 2025?

401(k) limit increases to $23,500 for 2025, IRA limit remains $7,000. Internal Revenue Service.

What is the downside of Backdoor Roth?

Cons: Some or most of a backdoor Roth IRA conversion could be a taxable event. You may have to pay federal, state, and local taxes on converted earnings and deductible contributions. Conversions could kick you into a higher tax bracket for the year.

Can I convert a 401k to a Roth IRA?

You can also convert traditional 401(k) balances to a Roth IRA. Generally, you'll only be able to transfer a 401(k) to a Roth IRA if you are rolling over your 401(k), the plan allows in-service withdrawals, or the plan allows in-plan conversions.

Can I contribute 100% of my salary to my 401k?

Can I contribute 100% of my paycheck into my 401(k)? While you may be looking to contribute your entire paycheck to your 401(k), required federal and state withholding typically prevents you from doing so.

What are the 401k rules for 2024?

The 401(k) contribution limit for 2024 is $23,000 for employee salary deferrals, and $69,000 for the combined employee and employer contributions. If you're age 50 or older, you're eligible for an additional $7,500 in catch-up contributions, raising your employee deferral limit to $30,500.

Who Cannot open a Solo 401k?

No Employees in Other Businesses

If you have a business that fits the qualification guidelines for Solo 401(k), you may not be eligible, however, if you or certain family members have ownership in other businesses that do have employees. The IRS defines a Controlled or Affiliated Service Group.