Age-Based Catch-Up Contributions

In the critical years before retirement, you may be able to take advantage of increasing how much you’re saving—over and above the additional amounts you already can contribute.

What this can mean for you:

Based on IRS rules, Trinity University 403(b) Retirement Plan already allows active employees who are age 50 or older to increase their annual employee plan contributions beyond standard IRS annual limits (known as “age-based catch-up contributions”). A new rule applicable for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024 will enable active employees ages 60-63 to increase those contributions even more.

Learn more about age-based catch-up contributions→ 

Here’s what the new rule can mean to employees ages 60-63:

Age-based catch-up contribution limits are indexed annually.

How to increase your contributions:

Visit tiaa.org/trinity to log on to your retirement account to make any changes to your contributions. 

Please be advised that contributions in excess of $24,500 for 2026 will be deemed a Roth contribution if eligible compensation during 2025 exceeded $150,000. You may choose to speak with your TIAA representative for further information concerning your personal contributions. Please review your current elections in the event your contribution to your supplemental retirement will exceed the $24,500 and your catch-up contributions may be deemed Roth.

Roth After-Tax Contributions

Within your employer retirement plan, you can contribute on both a pretax and Roth after-tax basis. By using the Roth option, you contribute to your plan after taxes are taken out of your paycheck, and you can make future withdrawals from your retirement plan tax-free. Note: if your wages from your employer were greater than $150,000 in the prior tax year, the IRS requires that your age-based catch-up contributions be Roth after tax. Is the Roth contribution right for you? To answer this question, you’ll have to consider what is best for your current and future tax situation, and estimate the best you can. Of course, it’s also wise to consult a tax adviser as well.

Learn more about Roth contributions→ 

Get help with financial decisions:

Making decisions about your retirement accounts can be challenging. We encourage you to consult with your tax professional to understand what is appropriate for you. TIAA financial consultants are here to help as well. Visit tiaa.org/schedulenow to set up a one-on-one meeting with a TIAA financial consultant or a wealth adviser. You may also call TIAA at 800-842-2252, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET.