403(b) Plans

403(b) Plans

A 403(b) plan, also known as a tax-sheltered annuity (TSA) plan or tax deferred annuity (TDA), is a retirement plan for employees of certain tax-exempt organizations, employees of public schools, and certain ministers. The plan can take the form of an annuity contract, a retirement account set up for church employees, or a custodial account invested in mutual funds.

A 403(b) plan is a retirement plan similar to a 401(k) plan, but one which is offered by public schools and certain 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations.

A 403(b) Plan - A retirement plan similar to a 401(k) plan, but one which is offered by public schools and certain 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations.

A 403(b) plan, also known as a tax-sheltered annuity (TSA) plan or tax deferred annuity (TDA), is a retirement plan for employees of certain tax-exempt organizations, employees of public schools, and certain ministers. The plan can take the form of an annuity contract, a retirement account set up for church employees, or a custodial account invested in mutual funds.

Individuals cannot set up their own 403(b) accounts; only employers can, and there are several ways in which contributions can be made. Elective deferrals are contributions made under a salary reduction agreement, which allows the employer to withhold money from the employee’s paycheck to be directly deposited into the 403(b) account.  Non-elective contributions include employer contributions which may be matching, discretionary, or mandatory contributions. Some plans allow participants to make after-tax contributions, which are not excluded from income and cannot be deducted on the participant’s tax return.

For 2020, the limit on elective deferrals has increased from $19,000 to $19,500. The limit on annual additions in 2020 is increased from $56,000 to $57,000. Basically, total employee and employer contributions made to an account can’t exceed the lesser of $57,000 or 100% of includible compensation.  Catch-up contributions, if allowed by the plan, can be made by participants who reach age 50 or older by the end of 2020. The maximum amount of catch-up contributions is $6,500 for 2020. An employee who has worked for a qualified organization for 15 or more years may be able to make additional contributions of up to $3,000 for up to five years, provided certain requirements are met.

Benefits: As with other tax-deferred retirement plans, participants do not pay income tax on allowable contributions until they make withdrawals from the plan, usually at retirement age. (This does not apply to contributions made to a Roth contribution program, in which participants pay income tax on contributions to the plan, but distributions are tax-free as long as certain requirements are met.) 

Earnings and gains on amounts in the 403(b) account are not taxed until they are withdrawn. (Again, with a Roth account, these earnings are not taxed if withdrawals are qualified distributions.)  Participants who contribute to their account may also be eligible for the Retirement Savings Contributions Credit depending on their adjusted gross income level.

Withdrawals: In general, the same tax rules apply to distributions from 403(b) plans that apply to other retirement plans. Distributions cannot be made until the employee reaches age 59 ½ or has a severance from employment, dies, becomes disabled, encounters financial hardship, or has a qualified reservist distribution. Unless certain conditions are met, distributions before age 59 ½ are subject to regular income tax and an additional 10% tax penalty.

Related to: Third Party Administrator, TPA, Retirement Plan Consultant, Retirement Plan Design, Pension Consultant, Third Party Benefits Administrator (TPA), 403b TPA

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We look forward to working with TPS Group next year

We look forward to working with TPS Group next year

As another year ends, I want to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to you and TPS Group for assigning us Krista Blier. Krista provides exceptional customer service and has been a major asset to me and Lynch, Traub, Keefe & Errante, P.C. She is extremely knowledgeable and always accessible. Always on top of the RMD’s, giving me an explanation on form 5500-SF to present to Mr. Keefe & keeping us updated with any account changes as well as specifics. It is a relief knowing I have full faith in Krista and can turn a blind eye to our account. I cannot tell you how many vendors/brokers I have to stay on top of and babysit to make sure our deadlines are met and to perform their job duties. Krista is a pleasure to work with and we look forward to working with her and TPS Group next year.

- Michael Panela

Highly impressed with their level of expertise and outstanding customer service.

Highly impressed with their level of expertise and outstanding customer service.

I highly recommend TPS Group and their quality third-party administration for our 403(b) plan. During our long relationship with TPS Group, we have never failed to be impressed with their level of expertise and outstanding customer service. They keep their promises and it’s easy to work with them. Having our own rep Lauren McNabb is a plus!

- Don Senecal

"Extremely Helpful to Our Business"

"Extremely Helpful to Our Business"

Malinda deserves special recognition. She is prompt, courteous, and professional. We find her to be extremely helpful to our business.

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"Wonderful To Work With"

My go to professional is Des. A wonderful person to work with. We can count on him to handle all of our needs.

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"Answers All Of My Questions In A Clear Manner"

"Answers All Of My Questions In A Clear Manner"

Our case administrator, Susan, has been absolutely wonderful and is a joy to work with. She is very knowledgeable, patient, answers all of my questions in a clear manner, and is professional.

- Kathy Townsend

Extremely Valuable to Myself and Our Company

Extremely Valuable to Myself and Our Company

Kathleen has helped me gather info and understand text so many times and is extremely valuable to myself and our company.

- Elizabeth Robison

Very Responsive And Clear To Requests And Questions

Our service representative, Carol, is outstanding and very responsive and clear to requests and questions. Very professional yet pleasant.

- Jane Surmecewicz

They are a pleasure to work with and we highly recommend their services.

They are a pleasure to work with and we highly recommend their services.

For many years we’ve relied on TPS Group’s extensive knowledge and industry expertise to keep us in compliance with state and federal regulations as well as changes in the law. Their attention to detail is just what we need to keep our business operations running smoothly. They are a pleasure to work with and we highly recommend their services.

- Dan Neal

TPS filled in the gaps within our small HR department

Working with Kim and her talented team helped us fill in the gaps within our small HR department. I strongly recommend TPS for HR tasks that don’t warrant hiring a full-time team. Thanks again Kim!

- Jake F

Knowledge and Expertise

Excellent customer service can be hard to find, but not with TPS Group! I know when I do business with Phil Coco, I can expect a quick response. I rely on his knowledge and expertise, and highly recommend TPS Group for their pension services.

- Mark Catullo

Dependable, experienced, and professional

Dependable, experienced, and professional

Dependable, experienced, and professional, our TPS Group recruiter was an invaluable resource, helping us locate and vet quality talent.

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