In 2022, this cap will be raised to $20,500 from its current level. Participants 50 years old or older are eligible to make a catch-up contribution of an additional $6,500 for both years of the program. However, the sum of all your contributions to a 457(b) plan cannot go above the deferral limitations or one hundred percent of your includible salary for the year, whichever is lower. Your company may offer to match your contribution, but any money contributed in this manner will count against the yearly maximum. Some businesses offer their staff members the option to participate in 401(k), 403(b), and 457 plans. In this scenario, workers can contribute to the yearly maximum allowed for each project.
An Introduction to Section 457 Plans
Programs designated as 457(f) are occasionally provided to higher-level employees and some non-government workers. These plans are less popular. Instead of 401(k) plans, the federal government offers workers Thrift Savings Plans. You can make contributions to your plan with money that has not yet been taxed. This lowers the amount of income subject to taxation and may result in lower overall tax liability, significantly if you contribute up to the yearly maximum. When you withdraw from your retirement account, however, the original deposit and any profits it has generated are subject to taxation.
You can also have the opportunity to invest money that has already been taxed. These are known as Roth contributions, and once you reach retirement age, you can withdraw the funds from your account free of any taxes; however, not all businesses provide this choice. If your employer offers it, you will be given a variety of investment alternatives for the money set aside in your plan, and you will be able to pick from among them.
When you retire, you will be able to take withdrawals from your account, and if you change employment, you will typically be able to roll over your account into another retirement plan, such as an IRA. You will also have the choice to take money out of the program at any time or to keep your money where it is. In addition, you can designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries who will take possession of the account assets after your passing.
The annual contribution limit
The annual contribution limit for your 457 plans applies to any 457 plans you may have for the current year. For instance, you can contribute $9,750 each if you have two different methods. If you work at two or more jobs during the year or move to employment in the middle of the year, you should keep track of your contributions to the 457 plan to ensure that you do not contribute more than the maximum.
Note
Suppose you want to contribute the maximum amount permitted. In that case, dividing the yearly limit into equal dollar amounts that will be deducted from your paycheck every pay period may be more straightforward. You will be able to put away the same amount of money each time you are paid, and you will be able to reduce the impact of fluctuations in the cost of your retirement assets.
Catch-Up Contributions Under the Section 457 Plan
The "three-year rule" is a distinctive characteristic that may be found in some types of 457 plans. Catch-up contributions are only available to those who have reached the age of 50. However, if you have a 457 plan, you may begin making them three years before reaching the retirement age specified by your project. For instance, if your program stipulates that you may retire at 51, the three-year rule enables you to start making catch-up payments at 48. On the other hand, you won't be able to create exceptional catch-up contributions and over-50 ones simultaneously.
Note
For these special catch-up payments, the maximum amount you may put in is either two times the annual contribution limit, which is $39,000 in 2021 and $41,000 in 2022, or the annual limit plus the amount of the basic limit that you haven't used in previous years, whichever is lower.
Designated Roth Accounts in 457 Plans
Since 2010, employers have been authorized to provide 457 deferred compensation programs, including designated Roth accounts for their employees to invest in. Before, 457 programs could only hold tax-deferred funds. The total amount contributed to Roth accounts and contributions made to pre-tax accounts cannot exceed the annual maximum.
