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403b FAQ

403b FAQ Articles

A 403(b) plan is a retirement savings account offered by certain employers—typically schools, hospitals, nonprofits, and religious organizations—that lets you set aside money before taxes are taken out of your paycheck. If your employer offers one, you may wonder how it compares to other retirement accounts, what you can contribute each year, or what happens to your money if you leave your job. This section answers common questions about how 403(b) plans work and what rules govern them.

The articles here explain contribution limits and catch-up options for older savers, the difference between traditional and Roth 403(b) accounts, how loans and withdrawals function, and what happens to your account when you change employers. You'll also find information about vesting schedules, investment choices, and how 403(b) plans differ from 401(k)s and IRAs.

403b FAQ

60 articles

403b FAQHow 403(b) Contributions Reduce Your Taxable IncomeRead more →403b FAQRolling a 401(k) Into a 403(b): What You Need to KnowRead more →403b FAQMoving Money From a 403(b) to an IRA: What You Need to KnowRead more →403b FAQBorrowing Against Your 403(b): What You Need to KnowRead more →403b FAQHow to Borrow From Your 403(b) and What It CostsRead more →403b FAQHow to Borrow From Your 403(b) Without Paying a PenaltyRead more →403b FAQContributing to Both a 403(b) and 457(b) Plan in the Same YearRead more →403b FAQCan You Withdraw From Your 403(b) While Still Working ThereRead more →403b FAQWithdrawing From Your 403(b) To Buy a House: What You Need To KnowRead more →403b FAQCan You Contribute to Both a 403(b) and a 457 Plan in the Same Year?Read more →403b FAQRolling a 401(k) Into a 403(b): What You Need to KnowRead more →403b FAQMoving Money From a 401(k) Into a 403(b)Read more →403b FAQRolling Your 403(b) Into a 401(k): What You Need to KnowRead more →403b FAQRolling a 403(b) Into an IRA: What You Need to KnowRead more →403b FAQMoving Money From a 403b to a 401k: What You Need to KnowRead more →403b FAQMoving Money From a 403(b) to an IRA: What You Need to KnowRead more →403b FAQDo Government Employees Have Access to 403(b) Plans?Read more →403b FAQTaxes on 403(b) Withdrawals After Age 60: What You OweRead more →403b FAQDoes ILTexas Offer a 403(b) Match?Read more →403b FAQHow a 403(b) Plan Works: Contributions, Growth, and WithdrawalsRead more →403b FAQWhat Happens to Your 403b When You Stop WorkingRead more →403b FAQHow Much to Put Into Your 403(b) Each MonthRead more →403b FAQHow Much You Need in Your 403(b) to RetireRead more →403b FAQHow Much to Contribute to Your 403(b) Each PaycheckRead more →403b FAQHow Much To Contribute To Your 403(b) Each YearRead more →403b FAQHow Employer Matching Works in 403(b) PlansRead more →403b FAQA 403(b) and a Roth IRA Are Not the Same Thing — Here's What's DifferentRead more →403b FAQIs a 403(b) the Same Thing as an IRA?Read more →403b FAQHow 403(b) Pretax Contributions Reduce Your Taxable IncomeRead more →403b FAQA 403(b) and a Roth IRA Are Different Account Types — Here's HowRead more →403b FAQHow a 403(b) Differs From a Traditional IRARead more →403b FAQIs a 403(b) Always an Annuity, or Can It Be Something Else?Read more →403b FAQA 403(b) Is Not an IRA — Here's What the Difference Means for Your MoneyRead more →403b FAQHow Much Can Your Employer Put Into Your 403(b) Plan Each YearRead more →403b FAQSchools That Don't Offer 403(b) Plans and Your AlternativesRead more →403b FAQWhen to Roll Over Your 403(b) Into an IRARead more →403b FAQWhat a 403(b) Plan Is and How It WorksRead more →403b FAQHow Much You Can Contribute to a 403(b) Plan Each YearRead more →403b FAQHow a 403(b) Plan Works: Retirement Savings for Teachers and Nonprofit WorkersRead more →403b FAQHow a 403(b) Retirement Plan Works and Who Can Use OneRead more →403b FAQHow a 403(b) and 401(k) Differ in Employer, Contribution Limits, and Tax TreatmentRead more →403b FAQWhat a 403(b) Plan Is and How It WorksRead more →403b FAQHow a 403(b) Account Works and Who Can Use OneRead more →403b FAQHow a 403(b) Plan Works and Who Can Use OneRead more →403b FAQHow a 403(b) Pension Plan WorksRead more →403b FAQHow a 403(b) Plan Works and Who Can Use OneRead more →403b FAQHow a 403(b) Plan Works and Who Can Use OneRead more →403b FAQHow a Roth 403(b) Works and Who Can Use OneRead more →403b FAQ403(b) vs. 401(k): What's the Real Difference for Your RetirementRead more →403b FAQHow 401(k) and 403(b) Plans Differ: Employer Type, Contribution Limits, and Withdrawal RulesRead more →403b FAQ401(k) vs. 403(b): Which Retirement Plan Is WhichRead more →403b FAQHow a 403(b) Differs From a 401(k) and Why It Matters for Your RetirementRead more →403b FAQWhen You Can Withdraw From Your 403(b) Without Paying a PenaltyRead more →403b FAQHow a 403(b) Retirement Plan WorksRead more →403b FAQ401(k) vs. 403(b): Which Retirement Plan Do You HaveRead more →403b FAQWhen You Can Take Money Out of Your 403(b)Read more →403b FAQWhen You Can Withdraw From Your 403(b) Without Owing TaxesRead more →403b FAQWhen You Can Withdraw From Your 403(b) Without PenaltyRead more →403b FAQ401(k) vs. 403(b): How to Compare Plans Based on Your SituationRead more →403b FAQShould You Keep Contributing to Your 403(b) When the Market Is DownRead more →