• Required minimum distributions: The applicable RMD age increased to 73 for many people reaching the relevant age before 2033 and to 75 for later cohorts. Designated Roth accounts in employer plans are generally no longer subject to lifetime RMDs for the original owner.
  • Automatic enrollment: SECURE 2.0 added automatic-enrollment and automatic-escalation requirements for many newly established 401(k) and 403(b) plans, with exceptions that should be evaluated for each employer and plan.
  • Catch-up contributions: The law permits larger catch-up contributions for certain older participants and imposes Roth treatment on some higher-income catch-up contributions under later-effective rules. Current thresholds and implementation guidance should be confirmed.
  • Small-employer plan incentives: Expanded credits may cover a larger share of eligible startup costs for qualifying small-employer retirement plans, with additional contributions-related incentives available in some cases.
  • RMD penalties: The excise tax for certain missed required minimum distributions was reduced, with a potentially lower rate when a shortfall is corrected within the permitted period.
  • Emergency withdrawals: Plans may permit limited penalty-free emergency personal-expense distributions — generally up to $1,000 — subject to repayment and subsequent-withdrawal rules.

Read IRS guidance on selected SECURE 2.0 changes →