Senate Democrats introduce bill providing 401(k), IRA match

Senate Democrats introduce bill providing 401(k), IRA match
The existing nonrefundable saver's credit would become a $1,000-a-year matching contribution from the government.
JUL 26, 2021

Ron Wyden, D-Ore., the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, and six other Democratic senators have introduced legislation that would enhance the incentives to save for retirement.

The bill, the Encouraging Americans to Save Act, would restructure the existing, nonrefundable saver’s credit into a refundable, government matching contribution of up to $1,000 a year for middle- and moderate-income workers who save through 401(k)-type plans or individual retirement accounts.

The legislation also includes a Covid-19 recovery bonus credit that provides up to $5,000 in additional government matching contributions for the first $10,000 saved during a five-year period beginning in 2022.

The bill is cosponsored by Sens. Michael F. Bennet, D-Colo.; Bob Casey, D-Pa.; Dick Durbin, D-Ill.; Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn.; Bob Menendez, D-N.J.; and Patty Murray, D-Wash.

According to the National Institute on Retirement Security, more than 100 million working-age Americans do not have coverage through a company plan or own any retirement assets, whether that's in an IRA or in a 401(k) or other defined-contribution plan.

The legislation also would enhance the saver’s credit by making the full 50% credit rate available to couples earning up to $65,000 per year ($32,500 for single taxpayers) and would require that the credit be directly contributed into the saver’s retirement plan or IRA, Senator’s Wyden’s office said in a release.

Latest News

Advisor CRM launches Ember AI client engagement tool
Advisor CRM launches Ember AI client engagement tool

The Nashville-based RIA platform unveils a branded digital workflow solution designed to fix the onboarding gap that frustrates financial advisors.

Retirement uncertainty grows as confidence in Social Security slips
Retirement uncertainty grows as confidence in Social Security slips

Despite relying heavily on Social Security for retirement income, many older Americans doubt the program will deliver full benefits in the future.

Emergency savings gaps are quietly draining American retirement accounts
Emergency savings gaps are quietly draining American retirement accounts

BlackRock data shows workers without a financial cushion are far more likely to raid their 401(k) — and less likely to ever start contributing.

Trump Accounts surpass 6 million signups – but signs of a wealth gap stoke concerns
Trump Accounts surpass 6 million signups – but signs of a wealth gap stoke concerns

With just a small fraction of eligible kids enrolled ahead of the July 4 launch, experts warn lower-income families could be falling behind.

Reason vs. emotion: When feeling right may lead investors wrong
Reason vs. emotion: When feeling right may lead investors wrong

When even perfect portfolios come under pressure from fear or greed, a disciplined and balanced framework can make for better investing decisions.

SPONSORED Who builds the income when the pension disappears?

Dan Biagini of American Equity says the steady decline of pensions, longer lifespans and a reset in interest rates are rewriting how advisors build retirement income

SPONSORED Why direct indexing stopped being optional

Direct indexing is on pace to outgrow ETFs and mutual funds. Northern Trust's Ken Lassner explains why the advisors who get it wish they had started sooner.