USA Retirement Savings Plan: 457 Plan VS 403(b) Pros & Cons, Contribution Limit

By Publishing Team

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In the USA various retirement plans are offered by the US Government. Each Retirement plan has its own specifications based on the contributions, age, and other requirements. These plans are made for the future funds as the citizens who contribute today will have the savings in the future. All the citizens earn for the good future. As the citizens when they get aged have no financial security as these citizens can’t earn in their old ages. So this requires the citizens to plan for their retirement today only. The various retirement plan options are available in the country.

This guide will tell you about some retirement plans such as the 457 plan. Also we will know the 403 (b) plan. These both plans are similar in nature but we will compare both these retirement plans and we will know at last which will be effective for which particular citizen. Also we will know the penalties that can be imposed when the withdrawal is before the retirement age. This guide is all about the USA Retirement Savings Plan which will include the qualifications for the plans, contribution limits, penalty on withdrawal, with their pros and cons to distinguish which plan is better. 

USA Retirement Savings Plan

The retirement plans are just similar to each other but the main difference comes with the tax part. The whole retirement plans revolve around the tax advantages. Here in this guide we will know the two plans that actually offer us the tax advantage. These plans are 457 plan and 403 (b) plan. Both these retirement plans are sponsored by the employers. These both plans are similar but the difference comes with the qualification, structure and rules. The 457 (b) plan which is offered to the employees of the state as well as local government or tax exempt organisations. The 403 (b) plans which are offered for the public school employees, non profit companies employees and employees of other tax exempted employees. This guide will include these both plan requirements with the contributions limits. Also we will know on which plan out of these will have penalty imposition. We will also compare these plans and result in the best retirement plan. This guide is only for USA Retirement Savings Plan.

USA Retirement Savings Plan

Retirement Savings Plan 2024- Overview 

Post Title USA Retirement Savings Plan
Year2024
Name of the Country USA
Plans Offered Retirement Savings Plan 
Name of the Retirement Plans457 Plan with 457 (b) plan and 457 (f) Plan403 (b) Plan 
Objective Retirement Income 
Contribution Limit $23000
Post Category Finance
Official Page www.irs.gov 

Retirement Savings 457 Plan

457 (b) is the retirement plan which is available to the state or Local Government employees or this could also be offered to the employees of tax exempted companies. This plan allows the employees to defer the portion of salary in retirement or individual accounts. In this account the funds grow tax deferred until the withdrawal in retirement. The Limit for the Contribution in this year is $23000. 

ProsDescription ConsDescription
No Early Withdrawal Penalty The main advantage of this retirement plan is that no penalty is charged when the participant withdraws the amount before the retirement age. Limited Availability This could only be available to the government employees or some tax exempted companies employees.
Flexible Withdrawal OptionThere are flexible withdrawals. This means that the participant can withdraw the funds at any time without imposition of penalty.No Employer Match This plan does not offer the employer matching contributions.
Tax Benefits This could also lower the taxable earnings. Limited Investment This could offer limited choices for the investment.

Retirement Savings 403 (b) Plan 

This plan is the tax sheltered annuity which is designed for the public school employees, non profit agencies employees or other tax exempted agencies employees. This plan allows the participants to make pre tax contributions and their earning also grows tax deferred until the withdrawal or full retirement. The Limit for the Contribution in this year is $23000 and the employees over 50 years would also get catchup contributions of $7500 for this year. 

ProsDescription ConsDescription
Wide Eligibility This is the flexible plan which is offered to various schools, non profit agencies.Early Withdrawal Penalty The penalty of 10% is imposed when funds are withdrawn before retirement. 
Loan Provision The optional loan feature and hardship distribution option result in flexibility for employees.Investment RestrictionsThe investment options are limited. 

Major Difference Between 457 Plan vs 403 (b) Plan

Difference 457 Plan 403 (b) Plan
Type of Business included in state or Local Government, tax exempted companies public school, non profit agencies, tax exempted agencies
Age for Withdrawal No age 59 and half 
Penalty on Early WithdrawalNo restriction 10%
Annual Contribution Limit $23000$23000
Catch Up Contribution Limit $7500$7500

Fact Check USA Retirement Savings Plan

The information for both these plans are up to date and reliable. Both these plans are offered for retirement. This data is also available on the Internal Revenue Service portal. These both plans have their own pros and cons and the citizen can choose the plan in which they get more suitability. The citizens who require more immediate financial support can choose the 457 Plan which has no restriction on withdrawal. As per the needs the citizen can choose their retirement plans and they can also take advice from the financial advisors. 

FAQ Related to USA Retirement Savings Plan

What are the Catch up contributions?

The contributions that allow the citizens to contribute more from the age of 50 Years.

How will the citizen know the amount to save for retirement?

As per the financial advisors 15% of the earnings should be saved for retirement. 

Does Inflation Affect Retirement savings?

Yes, inflation can affect retirement savings

How does inflation impact retirement savings?

The inflation raises the prices. This could lower down the savings. 

Can citizen withdrawal 457 plan funds without penalty? 

Yes, the citizen can withdraw these funds without penalty.

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