Governmental and Certain nongovernment employees
The 457 plan is a type of nonqualified, tax advantaged deferred-compensation retirement plan that is available for governmental and certain nongovernmental employers in the United States. The employer provides the plan and the employee defers compensation into it on a pretax or after-tax (Roth) basis. For the most part, the plan operates similarly to a 401(k) or 403(b) plan with which most people in the US are familiar. The key difference is that unlike with a 401(k) plan, it has no 10% penalty for withdrawal before the age of 55 (59 years, 6 months for IRA accounts) (although the withdrawal is subject to ordinary income taxation). These 457 plans (both governmental and nongovernmental) can also allow independent contractors to participate in the plan, where 401(k) and 403(b) plans cannot.
The Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 enabled 457(b) plans to include Roth accounts, which were previously only available only in 401(k) and 403(b) plans. This change took effect January 1, 2011. Contributions to Roth accounts are made on an after-tax basis, but distributions of both principal and earnings are generally tax-free.
Is a 457 plan better than an IRA?
Both 457 plans and Roth IRAs offer tax advantages, they are the exact opposite in terms of when you get your tax break. As mentioned, contributions to 457 plans are made with pretax earnings. You enjoy an upfront tax break since the contribution lowers your taxable income for the year.
Can you lose money in a 457 plan?
You can take money out of your 457 plan without penalty at any age, although you will have to pay income taxes on any money you withdraw. If you roll your 457 over into an IRA, as many plan holders do, you lose the ability to access the money penalty-free.
Can I roll a 457 into a Roth IRA?
The IRS rules allow you to convert cash or property from your 457(b) plan to your Roth IRA. Even if you receive both cash and property in the distribution from the 457(b) plan, you're allowed to roll over all or a portion of the cash, all or a portion of the property or any mixture of the two.
