What are catch-up contributions?

If you are 50 or older, or you will reach age 50 by the end of the year, you may be able to make contributions to your IRA or employer-sponsored retirement plan above the normal contribution limit. Catch-up contributions are designed to help you make up any retirement savings shortfall by bumping up the amount you can save in the years leading up to retirement.

Catch-up contributions can be made to traditional and Roth IRAs, as well as to 401(k) plans and certain other employer-sponsored retirement plans. But if you participate in an employer-sponsored retirement plan, check plan rules – not all plans allow catch-up contributions.

How much can you contribute as a catch-up contribution? It depends on the type of retirement plan you have and the tax year for which you are making the contribution.

401(k), 403(b), governmental 457(b) plans:*

  • $18,500 regular annual contribution and $6,000 catch-up contribution limit for 2018

SIMPLE plans:

  • $12,500 regular annual contribution limit and $3,000 catch-up contribution limit in 2017 and 2018

Traditional and Roth IRAs:

  • $5,500 regular annual contribution limit and $1,000 catch-up contribution limit in 2017 and 2018.

*403(b) and 457(b) plans also have special catch-up rules that may apply.

—Prepared by Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. Copyright 2018.

Broadridge Investor Communication SolutionsWhat are catch-up contributions?