What is the difference between a governmental 457(b) plan and a 403(b) plan?
Features | Governmental 457(b) Plan | 403(b) Plan |
Contribution Limits – Year 2022 |
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Early Withdrawal IRS Penalty Tax | None – (normal income tax only) | 10% early withdrawal penalty tax may apply under age 59 ½ plus normal income tax |
Eligibility Rules | Non-discrimination rules do not apply | Universal Availability Rule non-discrimination applies |
Small Balance Distribution |
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Not applicable |
Age 50 Catch-Up Option | Total of $6,500 annual limit – not permitted if special catch-up option used | Total of $6,500 annual limit |
Special Catch-Up Option | As permitted in the plan document. | As permitted in the plan document. |
Purchase Service Credit State Retirement System | Permitted | Permitted |
Distribution Restrictions |
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Portability of Plan Funds after Qualifying Event | Funds can be rolled over to:
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Funds can be rolled over to:
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Hardship / Unforeseeable Emergency Distributions | Contributions may be distributed to the extent required for an unforeseeable emergency defined by the IRS as a severe financial hardship to you resulting from events such as a sudden and unexpected illness; an accident you or a dependent experience; loss of your property because of casualty; or other similar extraordinary and unforeseen circumstances arising as a result of events beyond your control. Withdrawals are only permitted for limited financial circumstances that must be substantiated. | Contributions may be distributed to the extent required for a financial hardship defined by the IRS as expenses deemed to be immediate and heavy, including: (1) certain medical expenses; (2) purchase of a principal residence; (3) tuition and related educational fees and expenses; (4) prevent eviction from, or foreclosure on, a principal residence; (5) burial or funeral expenses; and (6) certain expenses for the repair of damage to the employee’s principal residence. Withdrawals are only permitted for limited financial circumstances that must be substantiated. |
Loans | Applies to all accounts and all plans (403(b) & 457(b)) of the employer; limited to the lesser of:
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Applies to all accounts and all plans (403(b) & 457(b)) of the employer; limited to the lesser of:
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Required Minimum Distribution | RMD rules apply as follows:
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RMD rules apply as follows:
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