Each year, the IRS makes adjustments that affect taxes, retirement contributions and savings limits. Planning ahead can help you make the most of these changes.
Let’s dive into some key updates for 2025 — because who doesn’t enjoy crunching a few numbers?
401(k) and 403(b) contribution limits
Good news! In 2025, the employee contribution limit for 401(k) and 403(b) plans increases to $23,500 for those under 50 (up from $23,000 in 2024). Catch-up contributions for those 50 and older remain at $7,500, but if you’re 60-63 by the end of 2025, you can contribute an additional $11,250 as part of the SECURE 2.0 super 401(k) catch-up contribution.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Total 401(k) contribution limits
The combined employee and employer contribution limit is also going up in 2025. For those under 50, the cap increases from $69,000 to $70,000, and for those 50 and older, it rises to $77,500. If you’re 60-63, the total limit, including catch-up contributions, climbs to $81,250.
SEP IRA contribution limits
Contributing to a SEP IRA? The 2025 limit increases from $69,000 to $70,000.
Traditional and Roth IRA contribution limits
No changes here — contribution limits from traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs remain at $7,000 (or $8,000 for those eligible for catch-up contributions). Not the most exciting update, right?
HSA contribution limits
Health savings account (HSA) limits are increasing! In 2025, individuals can contribute up to $4,300 (up from $4,150), while families can contribute $8,550 (up from $8,300). The $1,000 catch-up for those 55 and older remains unchanged.
FSA contribution limits
Flexible spending accounts (FSAs), the "less fun sibling" of HSAs, see a modest increase from $3,200 in 2024 to $3,300 in 2025.
Social Security COLA increase
The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security benefits in 2025 is 2.5%. While it’s a smaller bump (due to lower inflation), it’s still an increase to be thankful for.
Social Security taxable income threshold
In 2025, Social Security tax applies to the first $176,100 of income, up from $168,600 in 2024.
Standard deduction increase
The standard deduction rises in 2025 to $15,000 for single filers (a $400 increase) and $30,000 for married couples filing jointly (an $800 increase).
Annual gift exclusion
The annual gift tax exclusion limit increases from $18,000 to $19,000 per recipient in 2025. Feel free to spread the holiday cheer — tax-free!
Lifetime estate tax exemption
The estate tax exemption per individual jumps to $13.99 million in 2025 (up from $13.6 million in 2024), offering additional planning opportunities for high-net-worth individuals.
Retirement contribution base increase
The maximum income used to calculate retirement plan contributions increases from $345,000 in 2024 to $350,000 in 2025.
Roth IRA phase-out range
For 2025, the Roth IRA income phase-out range increases to $150,000–$165,000 for single filers and $236,000–$246,000 for married filers (up from $146,000–$161,000 and $230,000–$240,000, respectively).
There's more to know
These are just some of the highlights. While not every change will affect you, understanding these updates can help you make smarter financial decisions. If you have questions or want to explore how these adjustments might impact your finances, our planning and tax teams are here to help.
Wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2025!
Diversified is a registered investment adviser, and the registration of an investment adviser does not imply any specific level of skill or training and does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the SEC.
A copy of Diversified’s current written disclosure brochure which discusses, among other things, the firm’s business practices, services and fees, is available through the SEC’s website at: www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Diversified, LLC does not provide tax advice and should not be relied upon for purposes of filing taxes, estimating tax liabilities or avoiding any tax or penalty imposed by law. The information provided by Diversified LLC should not be a substitute for consulting a qualified tax adviser, accountant or other professional concerning the application of tax law or an individual tax situation.
Nothing provided in this article constitutes tax advice. Individuals should seek the advice of their own tax adviser for specific information regarding tax consequences of investments. Investments in securities entail risk and are not suitable for all investors. This site is not a recommendation nor an offer to sell (or solicitation of an offer to buy) securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction.
-
Five Things to Do if You're Forced Into Early Retirement (and How to Reset and Recover)Developing a solid retirement plan — before a layoff — can help you to adapt to unexpected changes in your timeline. Once the initial panic eases, you can confidently reimagine what's next.
-
Five Ways to Adapt Your Charitable Giving Strategy in a Changing World: An Expert GuideEconomic uncertainty, global events and increasing wealth are shaping the charitable landscape this year. Here are the philanthropic trends and some tips that could help affluent donors optimize their impact.
-
Five Things to Do if You're Forced Into Early Retirement (and How to Reset and Recover)
Developing a solid retirement plan — before a layoff — can help you to adapt to unexpected changes in your timeline. Once the initial panic eases, you can confidently reimagine what's next.
-
Five Ways to Adapt Your Charitable Giving Strategy in a Changing World: An Expert Guide
Economic uncertainty, global events and increasing wealth are shaping the charitable landscape this year. Here are the philanthropic trends and some tips that could help affluent donors optimize their impact.
-
Stocks Rally on Apple Strength: Stock Market TodayThe iPhone maker will boost its U.S. investment by $100 billion, which sent the Dow Jones stock soaring.
-
Don’t Let Your Dreams Go Unfulfilled: Plan for Your Passion in RetirementFollow these three steps to ensure you are emotionally and financially prepared for your passion in retirement.
-
I Heard Tariffs Will Cost Families $2,800 This Year. I'm a Retiree on a Fixed Income. How Can I Prepare?We ask retirement planning experts what to do.
-
What to Know About Multisector ETFsMultisector bond funds allow investors to pick and choose among a wide array of assets.
-
I'm an Estate Planning Attorney: These Are the Two Legal Documents Everyone Should HaveEvery adult should have a health care proxy and power of attorney — they save loved ones time, money and stress if a sudden illness or injury leaves you incapacitated.
-
I'm a Financial Professional: Here's My Investing Playbook for Political UncertaintyFor successful long-term investing in a politically charged environment, investors should focus on economic data, have a diversified portfolio and resist reacting to daily headlines.
