Roth 401(k) Changes: What You Should Know for 2025
Key changes to Roth 401(k) account rules may affect your tax planning and retirement savings.


There are significant changes to Roth 401(k) account rules to be aware of this year. These changes, brought about by the SECURE 2.0 Act, are designed to enhance the benefits of Roth 401(k)s and provide more flexibility and tax advantages for retirement planning.
Here’s more of what you need to know.
Elimination of Roth 401(k) RMDs
One change as of last year is the elimination of required minimum distributions (RMDs) for designated Roth 401(k) accounts. (RMDs are the minimum amounts that must come out of given retirement plan accounts each year once the account holder reaches a certain age.)

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.
Previously, Roth 401(k)s were subject to the same RMD rules as traditional 401(k)s despite their tax-free withdrawals in retirement. This meant that account holders had to start withdrawing a certain amount from their Roth 401(k) annually, starting at age 73. To avoid required minimum distributions, some account holders rolled over their Roth 401(k) to a Roth IRA.
The SECURE 2.0 Act eliminates RMDs for qualified employer Roth plan accounts. So, owners of these Roth 401(k) accounts no longer have to take RMDs.
- This change aligns Roth 401(k)s more closely with Roth IRAs. Previously, the rules that applied to Roth 401(k) accounts in employer plans differed from those for Roth IRAs (i.e., the latter were not subject to required minimum distributions).
- Investors can now leave their funds in the Roth 401(k) to continue growing tax-free.
- The elimination of RMDs can help reduce your taxable income in retirement.
Employer match for a Roth 401(k)
A second change is related to employer-matching contributions. In the past, when employees contributed to a Roth 401(k), any employer-matching contributions were placed into a traditional 401(k) account.
Now, employers can generally deposit matching contributions directly into employees' Roth 401(k) accounts. The contributions grow tax-free and can be withdrawn tax-free. (This match option also applies to Roth contributions to a 403(b) or 457(b) plan account.)
However, there's a catch: These employer Roth 401(k) matching contributions will be taxed as income in the year they are made.
Some see this as a trade-off for future tax benefits during retirement, but if your employer matches Roth 401(k) contributions, you should plan for potential tax implications.
Note: Roth matching contributions are optional. Not all employers will adopt this.
Roth catch-up contributions
It’s also important to remember that another rule from SECURE 2.0 will eventually (in 2026) require high earners to make catch-up contributions on a Roth basis.
The rule, which the IRS delayed as Kiplinger reported, was initially supposed to go into effect last year.
- Making catch-up contributions on an after-tax Roth basis means paying taxes on your retirement savings during the years you usually earn more.
- When implemented, the SECURE 2.0 Roth catch-up contribution rule won’t apply to taxpayers making $144,999 or less in a tax year.
- If you are 50-59 and 64 or older, the catch-up contribution limit for 2025 is an additional $7,500 per year. For those 60-63, it's $11,250, due to new super catch-up contribution provisions.
For more information, see New SECURE 2.0 Super 401(k) Catch-Up Contribution for Ages 60-63.
Roth contribution limits 2025
Contributions to your 401(k) generally need to be made by Dec. 31 of each year.
As Kiplinger has reported, If you are younger than 50, the maximum amount you could contribute to a Roth 401(k) for the 2024 tax year was $23,000. For 2024 "catch-up" contributions, the maximum contribution was $30,500.
For 2025, the max contribution amount is $23,500, and a total of $31,000 with 2025 catch-up contributions for those 50-59 and 64+. If you're 60-63, that total is $34,750 (the $23,500 base limit plus the new $11,250 super catch-up).
For more information see Roth 401(k) Contribution Limits for 2025.
New Roth 401(k) rules: Bottom line
These Roth 401(k) changes and other retirement plan rule changes in the SECURE 2.0 Act are partly to encourage people to save for retirement.
Eliminating Roth 401(k) RMDs can provide greater flexibility and extended tax-free growth and lower your taxable income in retirement. Meanwhile, the option for employer matching contributions directly to Roth 401(k)s aligns treatment of contributions. That can help support a tax-free withdrawal strategy in retirement.
Review your retirement plans and discuss these and other options with a financial advisor or tax planner to maximize your benefits.
Related
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

As the senior tax editor at Kiplinger.com, Kelley R. Taylor simplifies federal and state tax information, news, and developments to help empower readers. Kelley has over two decades of experience advising on and covering education, law, finance, and tax as a corporate attorney and business journalist.
-
The 401(k) Mistake That Could Cost You Millions in Retirement Savings
Thinking about reducing your 401(K) contributions in the current market? Here are six reasons why you may want to reconsider.
-
What the HECM? Combine It With a QLAC and See What Happens
Combining a reverse mortgage known as a HECM with a QLAC (qualifying longevity annuity contract) can provide longevity protection, tax savings and liquidity for unplanned expenses.
-
New Proposal Would Let You Use 529 Plan Savings for Homeschool Expenses
Savings Accounts A new House GOP bill could change how you save for your child's homeschool education. Find out how.
-
Five ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Tax Changes to Watch in the Senate
Tax Policy The House passed its version of Trump’s "One Big, Beautiful Bill." Here’s what to look for as Senate Republicans take up the mega legislation.
-
New GOP Car Loan Tax Deduction: Which Vehicles and Buyers Qualify
Tax Breaks To fulfill Trump's campaign promise, House GOP lawmakers want to offer a tax deduction for car loan interest. How would it work?
-
Big GOP Tax Bill Could Change Your Estate Planning for 2025
Tax Law The GOP might extend and increase the higher estate and gift tax exemption and AMT thresholds. What might this mean for your estate plan?
-
Ten Cheapest Places To Live in New York
Property Tax If you’re planning a move in New York, here are the counties with the lowest property tax bills in the Empire State.
-
‘My Etsy Shop is Dead’: Vendors Cry for Help Amid Trump’s Tariffs
Tariffs Small businesses are struggling to thrive as they absorb the Trump administration’s new wave of tariffs.
-
Three Things Star Wars Fans Taught Me About Tax
Tax Tips May the force be with you and your taxes this Star Wars Day 2025.
-
Retirees: Don’t Miss These Valuable State Tax Breaks in 2025
Retirement Planning Selecting the right state for retirement can significantly impact your financial well-being.