These Changes Are Coming to Your 401(k) in 2025
If you have a 401(k), or plan to have one soon, you might want to know about the SECURE 2.0 Act. This piece of legislation passed in December 2022 but set the stage for 401(k) changes in 2025. These adjustments aim to make retirement savings more accessible, efficient and robust. Let’s talk about what you can expect.
These 401(k) Changes are Coming in 2025
Many of the provisions within SECURE 2.0 Act became effective in 2025, so you will want to know what this means for your 401(k). Continue reading to make sure your financial plans align with changes brought forth by SECURE 2.0.
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Increased Contribution Limits
One of the most impactful changes is the adjustment to annual contribution limits. In 2024, the maximum amount individuals could contribute increased to $23,000 from $22,500 in 2023. In 2025, this number will jump to $23,500, allowing workers to dedicate more of their pre-tax income to retirement savings. That not only bolsters their future financial security, but also reduces their current taxable income. The largest increase, however, is with the catch-up contribution limit. These are for those 50 and older, and they allow these workers to save an additional amount on top of the $23,500 that everyone else is capped at for 2025. Thanks to SECURE 2.0, the extra amount will go from $7,500 to $11,250 for employees who are 60, 61, 62 and 63.
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Automatic Enrollment and Escalation
The Act requires companies to automatically enroll eligible employees into new 401(k) and 403(b) plans established after it became law. Initial contributions will start at a minimum rate of 3% of an employee’s salary, with automatic annual increases of 1% until contributions reach at least 10%, and no more than 15%. Employees can still opt out or change their contribution rates. But the automatic setup removes barriers for those who might not actively enroll in their employer’s plan. Automatic enrollment has proven effective in increasing participation rates in retirement plans. This expansion ensures more workers — particularly younger and lower-income individuals — are saving consistently for their future. For employers, this shift may require updates to payroll systems and employee onboarding processes. But the long-term benefits far outweigh the administrative adjustments.
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Expanded Roth Options
The SECURE 2.0 Act significantly expands the availability of Roth contributions within 401(k) plans. In 2025, all catch-up contributions for employees earning more than $145,000 annually must be made on a Roth (post-tax) basis. This change underscores the government’s focus on encouraging after-tax retirement savings, which provide tax-free growth and withdrawals in retirement. Employers now have the option to match employee contributions on a Roth basis as well. This means employees can opt for their employer match to be deposited into their Roth 401(k) account, offering greater flexibility in retirement tax planning. At the same time, there will be expansions to emergency savings accounts, with employees being allowed to contribute up to $2,500. The first four withdrawals each year are tax-free. These accounts are designed to provide liquidity for unforeseen expenses while preserving retirement savings. Employees can withdraw funds from their emergency accounts without penalties, reducing the need to take early withdrawals from their primary 401(k) savings. For many workers, having a dedicated emergency fund within their retirement plan may encourage more disciplined saving habits. Employers offering these accounts should integrate them seamlessly into their benefits packages to ensure maximum utility.
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Student Loan Matching Contributions
Student loan debt has long been a barrier to retirement savings, particularly for younger workers. The SECURE 2.0 Act addresses this by allowing employers to make matching contributions to a 401(k) plan based on an employee’s qualifying student loan payments, rather than their contribution to the account. Starting in 2025, workers who prioritize paying down student loans instead of contributing to their retirement accounts can still receive matching funds from their employers. This provision ensures that paying off loans doesn’t come at the expense of retirement savings. It also could serve as a valuable tool for attracting and retaining young talent in competitive job markets.
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Benefits for Small Businesses
Small businesses often face hurdles in offering retirement plans because of costs and administrative complexities. Fortunately, the SECURE 2.0 Act includes provisions to ease these burdens, such as increased tax credits for establishing new 401(k) plans. Starting in 2025, eligible small businesses can receive up to $5,000 annually in tax credits for the first three years of a new plan, plus additional credits for employer contributions. This could significantly expand retirement plan coverage among small business employees, who are often underserved by traditional benefits programs. Additionally, pooled employer plans (PEPs) continue to grow in popularity. They allow multiple small businesses to band together to offer retirement plans with shared administrative responsibilities and costs. Some businesses may find strategies like invoice factoring — selling accounts receivable to improve cash flow — helpful in managing the financial pressures of offering expanded benefits.
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Expanded Access for Part-Time Workers
Another significant improvement is the expansion of retirement plan access for part-time employees. Historically, part-time workers have often been excluded from participating in employer-sponsored retirement plans because of minimum-hour requirements. Starting in 2025, part-time employees who have worked at least 500 hours annually for two consecutive years will be eligible to contribute to their company’s 401(k) plan. This ensures that more workers, including those in gig and freelance roles, have access to retirement savings opportunities.
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Looking Ahead to 401(k) Changes in 2026 and 2027
The SECURE 2.0 Act’s impact extends beyond 2025, with additional provisions scheduled to roll out in 2026 and 2027. In 2026, the Saver’s Match program will replace the existing Saver’s Credit, offering a direct federal matching contribution of up to $1,000 to qualifying low- and moderate-income retirement savers. This change makes the benefit more accessible and tangible, as funds will be deposited directly into participants’ retirement accounts rather than offered as a tax credit. In 2027, the eligibility age for required minimum distributions (RMDs) will jump to 75. This gradual adjustment reflects longer life expectancies and gives people more flexibility in managing their retirement savings. The delayed RMDs allow workers to keep their savings invested for a longer period, potentially growing their retirement nest egg before withdrawals are required.
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Conclusion
The 401(k) changes in 2025 represent a significant step forward in retirement planning. From mandatory automatic enrollment to enhanced catch-up contributions and emergency savings accounts, these changes provide critical tools to ensure a more secure financial future for employees. Employers, in turn, must focus on adapting their systems and processes to accommodate these updates effectively. For employees, taking full advantage of the 401(k) changes coming in 2025 will require staying informed and proactive. If we all make a conscious effort to understand how these updates impact our savings strategies, we can build a stronger foundation for retirement.
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