Large pre-tax retirement accounts create mandatory withdrawals that can push you into higher tax brackets, inflate Medicare premiums and create a tax burden for your heirs. Here's how to defuse it before it's too late.

The IRS has increased 2026 retirement contribution limits across 401(k), IRA, Roth IRA and HSA accounts. Plus: the new mandatory Roth catch-up rule for high earners that takes effect this year.