What Is a 403(b) Plan?

A 403(b) plan is a special tax-deferred retirement savings plan that is often referred to as a tax-sheltered annuity, a tax-deferred annuity, or a 403(b) annuity. It is similar to a 401(k), but only the employees of public school systems and 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible to participate in 403(b) plans.

Employees can fund their accounts with pre-tax contributions, and employers can also make contributions to employee accounts. Employer contributions can be fixed or discretionary. Eligible employees may elect to defer up to 100% of their salaries, as long as the amount does not exceed $17,000 (in 2012). A special “catch-up” contribution provision enables those who are 50 and older to save an additional $5,500. Total combined employer and employee contributions cannot exceed $50000 (in 2012). Contribution limits are indexed annually for inflation.

Employees have the option of choosing the types of investments utilized in their funds. A 403(b) can be an annuity contract, a custodial account, or a retirement income account. It is a good idea to do a little research before selecting how you would like to invest your funds. Your employer can provide you with a list of the investments that are available.

Distributions from 403(b) plans are taxed as ordinary income and, if made before the age of 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty unless a qualifying event occurs, such as death or disability.

Generally, once you reach age 70½, you must begin taking annual required minimum distributions. You can receive regular periodic distributions on a schedule that is calculated based on your life expectancy, or you can collect your entire investment as a lump sum.

Participating in a 403(b) plan may be a good way to save for retirement. Contact your employer to find out what type of plan is offered and how you can take advantage of this retirement funding vehicle.

The information in this article is not intended to be tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Emerald. © 2012 Emerald Connect, Inc.
New Century Financial Group
118 Wall Street • Princeton, NJ • 08540
Phone: (609) 924-2049 • Fax: (609) 924-0649
• roring@ncfg.com

 

New Century Financial Group, LLC ("NCFG") is a registered investment adviser with it’s principal place of business in the State of New Jersey. NCFG and its representatives are in compliance with the current registration requirements imposed upon registered investment advisers by those states in which NCFG maintains clients. NCFG may only transact business in those states in which it is registered, or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. This website is limited to the dissemination of general information pertaining to its investment advisery/management services. Any subsequent, direct communication by NCFG with a prospective client shall be conducted by a representative that is either registered or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration in the state where the prospective client resides. For information pertaining to the registration status of NCFG, please contact the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.

Securities offered through Royal Alliance Associates, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through New Century Financial Group, LLC a registered investment advisor not affiliated with Royal Alliance Associates, Inc.

This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in all 50 States. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside the specific state(s) referenced. IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION A Broker/dealer, investment adviser, BD agent, or IA rep may only transact business in a state if first registered, or is excluded or exempt from state broker/dealer, investment adviser, BD agent, or IA registration requirements as appropriate. Follow-up, individualized responses to persons in a sate by such a firm or individual that involve either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made without first complying with appropriate registration requirements, or an applicable exemption or exclusion. For information concerning the licensing status or disciplinary history of a broker/dealer, investment, adviser, BD agent, or IA rep, a consumer should contact his or her state securities law administrator. 

For additional information about NCFG, including fees and services, send for our disclosure statement as set forth on Form ADV from NCFG using the contact information herein. Please read the disclosure statement carefully before you invest or send money.

SIPC / FINRA
 

PLEASE NOTE:The information being provided is strictly as a courtesy. When you link to any of the web sites provided here, you are leaving this web site. NCFG and Royal Alliance Associates, Inc., make no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of information provided at these web sites. Nor are these companies liable for any direct or indirect technical or system issues or any consequences arising out of your access to or your use of third-party technologies, web sites, information and programs made available through this web site. When you access one of these web sites, you are leaving NCFG’s web site and assume total responsibility and risk for your use of the web sites you are linking to.