Details

Tax-deferred annuities authorized by Section 403(b) and 457(b) of the Internal Revenue Code are retirement savings programs that allow employees to set aside a portion of their pre-tax income. A tax-deferred annuity is a professional approach to financial planning offering several advantages:
  • Tax benefits.
  • Savings through payroll deduction.
  • Flexible retirement options that offer a lifetime income.
  • You may start or stop contributions to the annuity at any time during the year.

Voluntary Retirement Savings Plans - 403(b) & 457(b) Plans

Maximum Contributions

The Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 has substantially simplified 403(b) and 457(b) compliance. Participants may enroll once and their contribution will carry over from year to year, eliminating the need to complete a new enrollment each calendar year. Under the law, 403(b) and 457(b) participants are able to contribute 100 percent of compensation up to the annual deferral limit of $22,500 for 2023.

An employee may take advantage of both accounts, so that the 2023 calendar combined maximum, for example, would be $45,000. Two opportunities to contribute in addition to the deferral limit are available to participants:

  • Catch-up contributions for employees reaching age 50 or older are allowed. The catch-up amount for 2023 is $7,500, for a total of $30,000 per plan or a combined maximum of $60,000.
  • Special exclusion allowance for employees with 15 years of service or more at OU up to $3,000 annually may be possible. Please call the benefits office to request a special exclusion allowance to determine your eligibility.

Participation

To establish a tax-deferred voluntary retirement savings plan, you must enroll at Fidelity Online. Your paycheck will be reduced by the amount you designate.

Changes & Deadlines

You may stop or change your enrollment and contribution amounts at any time at Fidelity Online. Actions made to a 403(b) plan by the 3rd of a month will be applied to your next paycheck. Actions made to a 457(b) plan by the 3rd of the month will be applied to your paycheck in the next month. 

Termination of Employment 

If your employment terminates, you may take a lump-sum distribution. However, the distribution would be calculated as income for that year, taxed as income and in the case of a 403(b) account, a 10 percent penalty for early withdrawal applies. You may continue contributing if your new employer participates. You may leave your present contract in place (some restrictions may apply). You may transfer your present contract to a new company.

Retirement Benefits

There are a number of payout options to choose from at retirement. You may also choose a lump sum distribution. The IRS requires that participants begin receiving retirement benefits from a tax-deferred annuity no later than April 1st following the year in which the participant reaches age 70 1/2. You can begin receiving benefits as early as age 59 1/2 without any penalties. A 403(b)  or 457(b) tax deferred annuity allows you to supplement other retirement plan benefits.

Roth Options 

You can choose a Roth 403(b) or Roth 457(b) plan in the Voluntary Retirement Savings Plans. In a Roth plan, you make after-tax contributions during your career and use the money tax-free in retirement. The same rules apply as described above for 403(b) and 457(b) Voluntary Retirement Savings Plans. Your contributions to a regular plan and a Roth plan are cumulative and together must not exceed the annual contribution limits described above for 403(b) and 457(b) plans. You should consider whether a Voluntary Retirement Savings Plan is right for you. Get more information from a Fidelity representative or enroll here.