Governmental 457(b)

If your employer offers a 457(b) retirement plan, you’ll want to take some time to learn more about this type of benefit. Understanding the plan features and how they work can help you make the most of this important benefit, so you can make progress toward your retirement goals. The answers to these frequently asked questions can get you started.

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What is a governmental deferred compensation plan?
A deferred compensation plan is a form of a retirement savings plan allowed under the Internal Revenue Code. It permits public employees to save for their retirement without paying income taxes on the money they save or on any earnings on that money until they are withdrawn.
How much can I contribute?

Under current tax law, you may contribute $23,000 a year. Thereafter, the limit will increase for cost-of-living increases. This limit includes any employer contributions to this plan, if applicable. Your representative can help you determine specifically how much you can contribute.

Can I make catch-up contributions?
Current IRS guidelines allow an individual who has attained age 50 within the calendar year to make an additional pretax catch-up contribution if allowed by your plan provisions. A participant may also be eligible to make additional contributions in one or more of the participant’s last three taxable years ending before the plan’s normal retirement age. Your representative can help you determine specifically how much you can contribute.
How are my contributions made?
Your contributions are automatically deducted on a pretax basis directly from your paycheck. To enjoy the convenience of payroll deduction, you and your employer simply complete a salary reduction agreement to allow your contributions to be deducted from your paycheck and added directly to your retirement plan.
How can I access my money?

You can receive money from your retirement plan when you retire, if you separate from service with your current employer, or in the event of an unforeseeable emergency. Normal retirement age and an unforeseeable emergency are both subject to the IRS definition. You must begin to take distributions from your retirement plan no later than April 1 of the year following either the year in which you reach age 73 or the year in which you retire, whichever is later.

Can I borrow money from my retirement plan?
Loans are permitted on a plan-by-plan basis. Distribution due to loans must follow specific guidelines in order to avoid tax implications.
How will a retirement plan affect my taxes?
By contributing to a Section 457(b) retirement plan, you will automatically reduce the amount of income tax you currently pay. The amount you contribute is not reported as taxable income on your W-2 to the IRS. (For example, if your salary is $26,000 and you put $100 a paycheck into your Section 457(b) plan for a total of $2,600 a year ($100 x 26 pay periods), you will pay federal taxes on just $23,400 instead of your full $26,000 salary, saving you more than $700 in current taxes.) Of course, you can’t defer taxes forever. When you begin taking money from your plan, your withdrawals will be subject to ordinary federal income taxes.
Will my retirement plan affect my Social Security benefits?
No, the retirement income you receive from your Section 457(b) retirement plan will not affect your Social Security income.
What happens if I leave my current job?

If your new employer offers a Section 457(b) retirement plan, you can transfer your money to the new plan without tax consequences. Assets held in a Section 457(b) retirement plan can also be rolled into certain other types of qualified plans, as well as individual retirement accounts (IRA). You may also receive a lump-sum distribution or installment payments. These amounts will be subject to federal withholding and state tax withholding, if applicable. Your 457(b) account is not subject to the 10% early withdrawal penalty. You should work closely with your financial professional and tax advisor to determine the option which best suits your situation.

What happens to my retirement plan if I die?
Your designated beneficiary will receive the value of your retirement plan in a lump sum or in installments. This death benefit will be subject to income taxes.
Are my retirement plan contributions vested?
The contributions you make to your retirement plan are immediately vested. However, they must remain part of a retirement plan until IRS regulations allow you to withdraw them.
How will I know the value of my retirement plan?

You will receive quarterly statements detailing your plan activity. You can also access your account information via our website. With online access, you may:

  • Monitor and make certain changes to your account
  • Easily access historical investment performance for your plan
  • Access a summary of your plan’s provisions
Can I change or stop my contributions?
Yes, you can change the amount of your contribution as often as your payroll department allows. You can also stop your contributions and start again later, if you’d like.