COLLECTED WISDOM™ on Roth 401k Issues

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Navigating Roth Conversions: Why and How

Roth conversions are becoming increasingly popular, but they present complexity for professionals, employers, and plan participants. To assist participants in navigating this complexity, employers and plan sponsors play a vital role by offering Roth conversion options. This flexibility allows employees to choose between traditional pre-tax contributions and Roth after-tax contributions. However, the process of Roth IRA conversions is not straightforward; it involves navigating intricate and frequently changing tax rules and regulations. As a result, employers must invest effort and resources to effectively manage the administrative challenges associated with Roth conversions, ensuring that participants can make informed decisions regarding their retirement savings.

Source: Asppa-net.org, October 2024

Roth or Regular?

Vanguard's "How America Saves 2024" reveals that 82% of employers provide a Roth 401k option alongside a traditional 401k, but only 17% of employees utilize the Roth option. Having access to a Roth 401k can enhance your retirement income and tax strategy, offering greater diversity and flexibility. The article outlines important factors to consider when choosing between a Roth and a traditional 401k.

Source: Axiaadvisory.com, October 2024

Vanguard: Roth 401k Savings Show Steady Growth

Vanguard's annual "How America Saves" report shows an uptick in Roth 401k both in terms of availability and participant use. According to the recordkeeper and asset manager's deep dive into more than 1,500 qualified retirement plans and nearly 5 million participants, Roth was offered by 82% of plans at year-end 2023, and by 95% of plans with over 5,000 participants.

Source: Planadviser.com, June 2024

The Rothification of Retirement

This PLANADVISER special coverage series considers the push toward increased Roth use in defined contribution plans and the implications for plan advisers, sponsors, and participants.

Source: Planadviser.com, June 2024

After SECURE 2.0: Rethinking Roth 401k vs. Roth IRA

Did SECURE 2.0 change the decision-making regarding whether to contribute to a Roth 401k or a Roth IRA? Yes, and no. Participants should keep an eye on any actions a plan sponsor takes (or fails to take) in amending their 401k plan following SECURE 2.0. But most retirement savers can achieve the best outcome by leveraging the superior features incorporated in each account -- both the Roth 401k and the Roth IRA.

Source: 401kspecialistmag.com, February 2024

New IRS Guidance on Roth Employer Contributions

The IRS gave plan sponsors an early Christmas gift with the release of new guidance late last year addressing several key provisions contained in SECURE 2.0. A welcome portion of the notice was further guidance on the new option allowing for participants in 401k and 403b plans to elect to receive employer matching and nonelective contributions on a Roth basis. While this guidance is welcome, Plan Sponsors who wish to adopt this provision should first have an in-depth conversation with their recordkeeper to ensure that their recordkeeping system has been updated to support this new option.

Source: Brickergraydon.com, January 2024

SECURE 2.0 Guidance - Auto Enrollment, SIMPLE, and Roth Provisions

On December 20, 2023, the IRS gave us a nice holiday present with the release of guidance on several provisions of the SECURE 2.0 Act. This article deals with the provisions that the author believe are of the highest interest to plan sponsors, advisors, and CPAs. The article provides a summary of the guidance for auto-enrollment, SIMPLE, and Roth provisions.

Source: Consultrms.com, January 2024

SECURE 2.0 Guidance Addresses Designated Roth Contributions

Under SECURE 2.0, 401k plans may choose to permit participants to elect to receive employer matching and/or discretionary (non-elective) contributions in the form of Roth (i.e., after-tax) contributions, effective for plan years beginning after December 29, 2022. Here are some details and clarifications.

Source: Compliancedashboard.net, January 2024

New Guidance Fills in the Blanks for Roth Employer Contributions

As a result of these new rules, allowing employees to elect to treat matching or nonelective contributions as Roth contributions has become more attractive, especially for plans that already permit Roth deferrals and in-plan Roth conversions. The elimination of lifetime RMD requirements means that participants will no longer have to roll their distributions into Roth IRAs to avoid the lifetime RMD rules, which has been a common practice.

Source: Cohenbuckmann.com, December 2023

SECURE 2.0 Removes the RMD requirement for Roth 401k Accounts

The SECURE Act 2.0 brought about significant changes to retirement planning in the United States. Among its many provisions, one notable alteration has positively impacted Roth 401k accounts, the elimination of Required Minimum Distributions.

Source: Belfint.com, November 2023

Plan Sponsors Receive Eagerly Awaited Reprieve From Roth Catch-Up Implementation

With a multitude of questions surrounding implementation and administration, late on a summer Friday afternoon, the IRS issued Notice 2023-62, providing Plan Sponsors with a transition period until 2026 to implement Roth catch-up contributions.

Source: Benefitslawadvisor.com, August 2023

Do Catch-up Contributions Need to Be Roth Now?

In case there's any confusion about how Federal and State governments think retirement plans can be improved in future years, it's two things: More auto-enrollment and more Roth contributions. This article attends to one expansion of the increased appetite for Roth contributions, the new requirement for "catch-up" contributions from some employees to only be allowable on a Roth basis.

Source: Benefit-Resources.com, August 2023

Two Year Transition Period for Implementation of Mandatory Roth Catch-Up Contributions

The IRS issued Notice 2023-62, providing welcome guidance relating to the mandatory Roth catch-up provision under Section 603 of the SECURE Act 2.0, which is effective for plan years beginning after December 31, 2023. First, the Notice clarifies that catch-up contributions are still allowed after 2023, despite a technical glitch in SECURE 2.0. Second, the Notice provides a two-year administrative transition period for implementing mandatory Roth catch-up contributions for employees earning more than $145,000.

Source: Beneficiallyyours.com, August 2023

With "Rothification" of Retirement Savings, Vanguard Stresses Education

The "Rothification" of retirement savings will gain steam in 2024, as the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 mandated Roth catch-up contributions is scheduled to go into effect. But implementation, while mandatory, will still need consultation and education for plan sponsors to understand -- and communicate -- the potential benefit of post-tax Roth saving to participants, according to Vanguard.

Source: Plansponsor.com, August 2023

Embrace the Roth Option in Your 401k: A Small Business Owner's Guide

As a small business owner, you wear multiple hats and juggle numerous responsibilities. While focusing on the growth and success of your business, it's important not to neglect your future, or that of your employees. Part of that comes from understanding what your employees need from their small business 401k and where they expect to be when they retire. Offering a Roth 401k as part of your business's retirement plan can be a great way to help them (and you) secure a prosperous and comfortable future.

Source: Myubiquity.com, August 2023

Do Catch-up Contributions Need to Be Roth Now?

In case there's any confusion about how Federal and State governments think retirement plans can be improved in future years, it's two things: More auto-enrollment and more Roth contributions. This article focuses on one expansion of the increased appetite for Roth contributions, the new requirement for "Catch-up" contributions from some employees to only be allowable on a Roth basis.

Source: Benefit-Resources.com, August 2023

Mandatory Roth Catch-Up Contributions: Another Secure Act 2.0 Provision

Plan Sponsors will need to make decisions on how to implement the Roth catch-up contributions in the plan document. The plan must allow for Roth contributions or amend the plan to allow for Roth contributions. If the plan does not allow for Roth contributions, highly compensated participants cannot make catch-up contributions. In addition, the plan must allow all eligible participants to make Roth catch-up deferrals.

Source: Watkinsross.com, July 2023*

Important Alert for 401k and 403b Plans That Do Not Allow Participants to Make Roth Contributions

SECURE 2.0 made an important change to the rules regarding catch-up contributions. Under the new rules, catch-up contributions must be made as after-tax Roth contributions if the participant contributing earned more than $145,000 in FICA wages from the employer sponsoring the plan in the prior calendar year. Moreover, if the Roth requirement applies to any participant, participants making under $145,000 must be permitted to make catch-up contributions as Roth contributions as well.

Source: Frostbrowntodd.com, May 2023

Secure 2.0: So, About That Employer Roth Contribution

One of the provisions in SECURE 2.0 is Section 604, a fundraiser provision that allows plan participants to elect to have any fully vested employer contributions funded to a defined contribution plan made as Roth for tax purposes. But several hurdles need to be overcome before Roth employer contributions can be practically, and effectively, implemented.

Source: Ferenczylaw.com, May 2023

Roth 401k Remains Underutilized Despite Potential Benefits

A well-designed Roth 401k may be an attractive option for many plan participants, and it is important for plan sponsors considering such a feature to design the plan with the needs of their workforce in mind. It is also critical to communicate the differences between the pre-tax option, the specific timing rules required, and the tax-free growth it offers. Additionally, plan sponsors should be mindful of potential administrative costs and other compliance requirements in connection with allowing the Roth option.

Source: Berrydunn.com, December 2022

The Roth 401k

Employers can offer 401k plan participants the opportunity to make Roth 401k contributions. If you're lucky enough to work for an employer that offers this option, Roth contributions could play an important role in maximizing your retirement income.

Source: Captrust.com, June 2022

SECURE 2.0 Surprise: The ROTH Catch-Up Contribution and ROTH Employer Match Proposal

SECURE 2.0 would reclassify all catch-up contributions as Roth-only in 2024, increase catch-up contributions to $10,000 only for ages 62 to 64, optionally treat employer matching contributions as Roth contributions, and offer a new safe harbor correction for auto-enrollment plans' unintentional administrative flaws.

Source: Milliman.com, June 2022

Employers Adding Roth 401k Option at a Fast Clip

The share of employers allowing Roth 401k savings surged last year, giving more workers access to the financial benefits that accompany such contributions. But there are some roadblocks to employee use, such as automatic enrollment and the structure of 401k matching contributions.

Source: Cnbc.com, January 2022

Why the Roth 401k Is the Unsung Hero of Retirement Plans

One retirement savings vehicle doesn't get the attention it deserves, according to one financial expert. The Roth 401k is "the unsung hero, if you will, of your retirement plan," Sun Group Wealth Partners Managing Director Winnie Sun, especially for her clients whose "No. 1 goal" is to have tax-free savings in retirement.

Source: Yahoo.com, September 2021

Three Key Differences Between a Roth 401k and a Roth IRA

Roth accounts are after-tax accounts with unique benefits for retirement savers. Namely, investments grow tax-free, and withdrawals aren't subject to tax during one's retirement years. But there are some key differences between Roth savings in a 401k plan and an individual retirement account. Here are some of the biggest.

Source: Cnbc.com, September 2021

Roth Conversions May Not Pay Off Until Age 90 for Most

Roth conversions almost always work out in a client's favor, but not necessarily for the reasons that advisers often recommend them, according to an academic study published this week. Contrary to conventional wisdom, tax-rate changes -- up, down, or flat -- have a minimal effect on the long-term financial benefits from converting a traditional IRA or 401k to a Roth account, Edward McQuarrie, professor emeritus at Santa Clara University, wrote in a recent paper. Instead, the overarching factor that gives Roth conversion an edge, given enough time, is compounding, McQuarrie found.

Source: Investmentnews.com (registration may be required), June 2021

What Is a Roth 401k?

A Roth 401k is a feature of many employer-sponsored 401k plans, and it offers significant tax benefits for workers saving for retirement. Here's what you need to know about the Roth 401k to decide if it's the right choice for your retirement savings.

Source: Bankrate.com, April 2021

Should You Rollover Your Roth 401k?

If you've invested in a Roth 401k at work and are leaving your job, you may want to do a Roth 401k rollover. A Roth 401k rollover allows you to move your money from your current retirement account to a new retirement plan without any immediate tax consequences, as long as you follow certain rules.

Source: Fool.com, September 2020

The Rising Tide of the Roth 401k

Many employer-sponsored retirement plan participants are conflicted in deciding which type of account is best for their 401k contributions: traditional or Roth? Often having no idea which is best for their situation, they need the help of an advisor. You can advise them with confidence if you know just two things.

Source: 401kspecialistmag.com, September 2020

What is a Roth 401k?

A Roth 401k is one of the two major types of 401k plans, and it offers significant tax benefits for workers saving for retirement. The Roth 401k is an employer-sponsored plan, meaning that you can use the plan only if it's offered at your workplace. The other major plan is called the traditional 401k, and it offers significant -- but different -- tax benefits for retirement saving.

Source: Bankrate.com, May 2020

401k vs. Roth 401k: Which One Is Better for You?

The 401k plan comes in two varieties, the Roth 401k and the traditional 401k. Each offers a different type of tax advantage, and choosing the right plan is one of the biggest questions workers have about their 401k. It can be a surprisingly complicated choice, but many experts prefer the Roth 401k because you'll never pay taxes again on withdrawals. However, the choice depends a lot on your financial situation. Here's what you need to know about each type and why one might be better for your needs.

Source: Bankrate.com, April 2020

Roth 401k vs. Roth IRA -- What's the Difference?

Roth accounts are popular retirement savings options for many. Roth IRAs and Roth 401k accounts can both be options for some investors. What's the difference between these two types of accounts?

Source: Thestreet.com, February 2020

Roth 401ks Could Get a Boost From the SECURE Act

The recently passed SECURE Act did away with stretch provisions that allowed young beneficiaries to gradually take distributions from inherited IRAs over the course of their lives. The death of the stretch IRA could lead to wider use of a savings feature that's often neglected in company-sponsored retirement plans: the Roth 401k.

Source: Investmentnews.com (registration may be required), February 2020

How Would 401k "Rothification" Alter Saving, Retirement Security, and Inequality?

This 4-page paper explores how "Rothification" might influence household consumption, saving, retirement patterns, and tax-payments, using a richly detailed and state-of-the-art life-cycle stochastic dynamic model with endogenous work effort, portfolio choice, consumption, saving, and Social Security claiming patterns. We also evaluate how outcomes will vary for workers with different lifetime earnings profiles (proxied by worker-types differentiated by sex and education). Last, it assesses what changes if the economy moved away from the current low interest rate environment and returned to a more "normal" regime.

Source: Mrdrc.isr.umich.edu, November 2019

Pre-tax or Roth 401k Contributions, That Is the Question

The decision of whether to make pre-tax or Roth (after-tax) 401k contributions frequently pops up, especially when investors start new jobs. Both pre-tax and Roth 401ks offer tax-advantaged investment growth, the same annual employee contribution limits, and both allow the plan participant to receive any available employer match. However, there are key differences between these options, so it is important to understand the pros & cons before electing whether pre-tax, Roth, or a combination of the two is appropriate for you.

Source: Wealthspire.com, November 2019

Roth Rollover Traps

Contributor Natalie Choate reviews the good, the bad, and the ugly when rolling over from a Roth 401k to a Roth IRA.

Source: Morningstar.com, September 2019

The Roth Conundrum

Is Roth really a superior option for a participant's voluntary contributions to a retirement plan? The argument for Roths at this point is centered on the historically low current tax rates: rather than defer pre-tax into a traditional 403b/401k/457b and pay higher taxes later, defer to a Roth and pay taxes now while they are low. But is that actually the case?

Source: Cammackretirement.com, August 2019

How to Maximize Roth Savings Through a 401k Plan

A "Roth" retirement account is the greatest savings vehicle ever invented, because all investment profits in a Roth account are totally income-tax-free. The only problem is, how do you get money into a Roth account without undue tax cost? This article looks at a case study that will illustrate little-known ways that some workers can maximize their Roth contributions to a 401k at a low (or no) tax cost.

Source: Morningstar.com, June 2019

Choosing Between 401k and Roth 401k Accounts

Some employers offer both traditional 401k and Roth 401k options. The lower your tax bracket is, the larger the contributions to your Roth. Splitting your contributions will provide you some flexibility. It is important for you to understand the exceptions of your plan to avoid paying a penalty for early withdrawal.

Source: Sandiegouniontribune.com, June 2019

Is Roth Participation in DC Plans Being Suppressed by Recordkeepers?

Vanguard recently disclosed that between 2013 and 2017, the percentage of plans offering Roth 401ks in Vanguard's full-service business increased from 52% to 68%, while the portion of participants choosing the Roth deferral actually declined between 2016 and 2017, from 13% to 12%. One of the causes of the lower market penetration of Roth plans might be the recordkeeper advisers' assets-under-management compensation model. Companies are juggling a conflict of interest issue in that they reap 50% greater earnings on $600 in AUM in a traditional DC plan than they do on $400 in AUM in a Roth plan.

Source: Investmentnews.com (registration may be required), May 2019

Can You Rollover a Roth 401k to a Roth IRA?

Rolling over a Roth 401k to a Roth IRA can make sense in the right circumstances, but you need to be aware of the rules. When you rollover funds from a Roth 401k to a Roth IRA, it's the age of the Roth IRA that sets the clock for the 5-year rule. It's also important to understand the income limits on a Roth IRA to make sure you're eligible.

Source: Schwab.com, April 2019

Interested in a Roth 401k? Here's How They Work

As the name suggests, a Roth 401k combines features of the traditional 401(k) with those of the Roth IRA. It's offered by employers like a regular 401k plan, but as with a Roth IRA, contributions are made with after-tax dollars. While you don't get an upfront tax-deduction, the account grows tax-free, and withdrawals taken during retirement aren't subject to federal income tax, provided you're at least 59 1/2 and you've held the account for more than five years.

Source: Marketwatch.com, February 2019

Evaluating Roth and Pretax Retirement Savings Options

There are two ways to get Roth account exposure: a Roth IRA or through a retirement plan that has a designated Roth account. While Roth IRAs have income eligibility limits, those do not apply to contributions within a 401k plan. Pretax contributions are generally preferable for people who expect their income tax rate to decrease in retirement. Having Roth accounts may make sense for tax diversification, flexibility and as a hedge against higher tax rates.

Source: Troweprice.com, February 2019

Roth 401ks Are an Essential Employee Benefit

Many plan sponsors are adding the option for Roth 401k contributions of their plan. Having this feature as part of the employee benefits package will make your 401k plan more attractive and will allow your organization to remain competitive to attract and retain top talent. This article outlines important points to keep in mind if you're considering adding a Roth 401k option to your plan.

Source: Planpilot.com, January 2019

Ways & Means Responds on Rothification Rumors

Rumors notwithstanding, the House Ways & Means Committee tells the American Retirement Association, the committee has no plans to revisit Rothification as part of the new tax reform discussions.

Source: Asppa.org, July 2018

Push to Require Roth 401k Savings Over Traditional Plans May Re-Emerge

Retirement plan advisers who thought Washington had ditched the idea of requiring Roth 401k savings instead of traditional 401ks should think again. Those who closely follow retirement policy say senior legislators on Capitol Hill are again whispering about so-called Rothification. The idea could re-emerge, perhaps to make up for tax-revenue shortfalls related to other retirement legislation being floated, observers said.

Source: Investmentnews.com (registration may be required), June 2018

How a 'Mega Roth' Can Help Your DC Plan

Plan sponsors who want to allow participants to contribute more Roth monies to a defined contribution plan than the standard limits have an option: An in-plan Roth conversion of after-tax contributions in the same year they are made to the DC plan.

Source: Callan.com, April 2018

Little-Known 401k Trick Can Open the Floodgates to Roth IRA Savings

The Roth IRA has very low contribution limits, while those in high-income groups may not qualify to contribute to the account. One strategy to make the most of the account's tax benefits is the backdoor option, which allows clients to make nondeductible contributions to a traditional IRA or contribute after-tax money to a 401k plan and then convert the funds into a Roth.

Source: Fool.com, April 2018

Roth 401k Contributions: Gaining Popularity, Looking to increase Tax Diversification

As a retirement planning tool, Roth 401k contributions can offer 401k plan participants a more nuanced approach to retirement saving than a traditional 401k plan can on its own. The different tax status of Roth 401k withdrawals gives plan participants more flexibility and opportunities to broaden their retirement planning strategies and turbocharge their retirement plan outcomes.

Source: Willis.com, March 2018

Evaluating Roth and Pretax Retirement Savings Options

There are two ways to get Roth account exposure: a Roth IRA or through a retirement plan that has a designated Roth account. While Roth IRAs have income eligibility limits, those do not apply to contributions within a 401k plan. Pretax contributions are generally preferable for people who expect their income tax rate to decrease in retirement. Having Roth accounts may make sense for tax diversification, flexibility and as a hedge against higher tax rates.

Source: Troweprice.com, February 2018

Know About the Roth 401k Surprise?

Financial experts and writers often tout the Roth 401k's main selling point: when the money is withdrawn in retirement, it won't be taxed. Well, that's not entirely true. Employer contributions to Roths are different.

Source: Bc.edu, January 2018

The Advantages of Roth 401k Contributions

Has your organization considered a plan amendment that would allow Roth contributions? Or, if you already permit Roth contributions, do you feel like you can easily converse with your employees who have related questions? This 4-page white paper is designed to help in both situations.

Source: Qualifiedplanadvisors.com, September 2017

Leveraging - A Hidden Advantage of Roth 401k Accounts

There have been numerous articles published about the advantages of Roth IRAs and Roth 401k accounts. When combined with the ability for leveraging (subject to payment of unrelated business income tax (UBIT)), some interesting planning and tax saving opportunities arise. One such opportunity may be the ability to leverage a Roth account to enhance the deferral and tax-free distribution power of the Roth.

Source: Foxrothschild.com, September 2017

The 411 on Roth vs Regular 401ks

Workers usually don't know the difference. Yet employers increasingly are asking them to choose. Nearly two-thirds of private-sector employers with Vanguard plans today offer both a traditional and a Roth 401k in their employee benefits. Just four years ago, fewer than half did. Here are some tips on navigating the traditional-vs-Roth decision.

Source: Bc.edu, September 2017

Most DC Plan Participants Don't Understand Roths, Survey Finds

Amid all of the recent talk about tax reform and the potential move toward Rothification, Cerulli Associates has come out with a new report showing that only one-third of DC plan participants can correctly identify the benefits of Roth contributions.

Source: Asppa.org, September 2017

Participants Do Not Factor Tax Rates Into Retirement Savings Decisions

Researchers found that although education increased participants' use of expected tax-rate changes in their plan choices, participants continued to display an economically "irrational" preference for pre-tax deferrals over Roth deferrals.

Source: Plansponsor.com, August 2017

Why Millennials Should Embrace Roth 401ks

Does your 401k have a Roth account option? More employees, especially younger ones, are choosing to contribute to Roth accounts, according to two recent industry reports. What do these savvy Millennials know?

Source: Forbes.com, July 2017

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