A plan that allows for the prepayment of qualified higher education expenses at eligible educational institutions. Also known as a "qualified tuition program", or more fully as a "section 529 plan". The prepayment may be in the form of a contribution to an account established specifically for paying higher educational expenses. There is no income restriction for individuals who want to contribute to a 529 plan; however, because contributions cannot exceed the amount that sufficiently covers the expenses of the beneficiary's qualified higher education, individuals should take care not to over-fund the 529 plan.
A non-qualified, deferred compensation plan established by state and local governments and tax-exempt governments and tax-exempt employers. Eligible employees are allowed to make salary deferral contributions to the 457 plan. Earnings grow on a tax-deferred basis and contributions are not taxed until the assets are distributed from the plan. Employees are allowed to defer up to 100% of compensation not exceeding the applicable dollar limit for the year. If the plan does not meet statutory requirements, the assets may be subject to different rules.
A type of employer-sponsored employee welfare benefit plan. 419(e) welfare benefit plans qualify under paragraph (e) of Section 419 of the Internal Revenue Code. They provide a range of benefits to employees, such as life, health, disability, long-term care and post-retirement medical. These plans can be either target contribution or target benefit in design, and are intended to provide additional financial stability for employees during their retirement years. The same company pays for all of the benefits of the plan, and does not pool benefits among employees of other companies. Irrevocable cash contributions are made on behalf of the employees on a periodic basis. The assets in these plans are usually held by an independent trustee, and are exempt from seizure by any creditors the company may have. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued revised guidance in October 2007 that excluded some benefits for plans that were funded with permanent insurance. This plan can also keep contributions made for key employees separate from those of rank-and-file employees.
A defined-benefit pension plan designed for small business owners in the United States. This is a tax-qualified benefit plan, so any amount that the owner contributes to the plan becomes available immediately as a tax deduction to the company. The plan must be funded solely by guaranteed annuities, or a combination of annuities and life insurance. These plans have been developed for small business owners who find it difficult to invest in their company, while also trying to save for retirement. This plan is unique in that it provides fully guaranteed retirement benefits, it must be funded by an insurance company and it provides the largest tax-deduction possible.Due to the large premiums that must be paid each year, this plan may not be ideal for all small business owners. This plan would tend to benefit small businesses that are established and quite profitable.
A plan set up by an employer to help employees fund their retirement. The 408(k) plan is a simplified version of the popular 401(k) plan but is intended for smaller companies (those with fewer than 25 employees). It is also available to self-employed individuals. Under the plan, employees can contribute pretax dollars to the account and thus reduce their net incomes for the year. This results in a tax savings for the contributor. Although the term 408(k) is often used to describe an account, it actually refers to the Internal Revenue Code, which details Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) accounts. The employee and the employer contribute to this account in the employee's name. Throughout the account's lifetime, deposits are not treated as income until the funds are withdrawn.
A retirement plan for certain employees of public schools, tax-exempt organizations and certain ministers. Generally, retirement income accounts can invest in either annuities or mutual funds. Also known as a "tax-sheltered annuity (TSA) plan". The features of a 403(b) plan are very similar to those of a 401(k) plan. Employees may make salary deferral contributions that are usually limited by regulatory caps. Individual accounts in a 403(b) plan can be any of the following types:- An annuity contract, which is provided through an insurance company- A custodial account, which is invested in mutual funds- A retirement income account set up for church employees
A qualified plan established by employers to which eligible employees may make salary deferral (salary reduction) contributions on a post-tax and/or pretax basis. Employers offering a 401(k) plan may make matching or non-elective contributions to the plan on behalf of eligible employees and may also add a profit-sharing feature to the plan. Earnings accrue on a tax-deferred basis. Watch: Introduction in 401(k) Caps placed by the plan and/or IRS regulations usually limit the percentage of salary deferral contributions. There are also restrictions on how and when employees can withdraw these assets, and penalties may apply if the amount is withdrawn while an employee is under the retirement age as defined by the plan. Plans that allow participants to direct their own investments provide a core group of investment products from which participants may choose. Otherwise, professionals hired by the employer direct and manage the employees' investments.
A money-purchase retirement savings plan that is set up by an employer. The 401(a) plan allows for contributions by the employee, the employer, or both. Contribution amounts, whether dollar-based or percentage-based, eligibility, and vesting schedule are all determined by the sponsoring employer.Funds are withdrawn from a 401(a) plan through lump-sum payment, rollovers to another qualified plan, or through an annuity. Employers are able to create multiple 401(a) plans, each with different eligibility criteria, vesting schedules and contribution amounts. For this reason, the 401(a) plan is commonly used by employers to create inventive programs to help retain employees.