401(k) Plans and the 403(b)
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401(k) Plans and the 403(b)
A section 401(k) plan, commonly known simply as a 401(k), is a qualified profit sharing plan that gives an employee the option of putting money in the plan (up to $10,500 per year) or receiving taxable cash compensation.
You either can take the money home as additional pay, or have the funds deposited into a 401(k) plan for you. An employer usually adds a percentage of the employee's contribution to the employee's plan.
Both your money and your employer's contribution are made with pre-tax money. That means that the income you contribute to your 401(k) isn't considered taxable income at this time. It will, however, be taxable when it's withdrawn.
The 401(k) accounts were introduced in 1982, and became extremely popular in the ensuing years. In fact, employees sometimes get frustrated when their employer doesn't provide a 401(k).
Go Figure
Most employees like 401(k) plans because they're flexible. You're normally permitted to change the amount of money you contribute at least once a year.
Money Morsel
A good way to increase your 401(k) contribution is to automatically add any salary increases to the amount you save. You'll be glad in the long run.
If you have a different type of plan, however, don't assume that you're being cheated by not having a 401(k). Another type of plan is likely to do as well, or perhaps even better. They're certainly preferable to no employment plan, and, 401(k)s do have many advantages. They're not, however, the only game in town.
While many employers match (or partially match) 401(k) contributions by employees, it's not required. Some employers contribute nothing. Maybe the employer can't afford to contribute to the plan, and simply offer the 401(k) as a means for their employees to contribute to a retirement fund, or your employer offers the 401(k) plan as a supplement to an already existing retirement plan.
When an employer doesn't contribute, all the contributions to the 401(k) come from an employee. The employer would pay only to install and administer the plan.
If your employer does contribute, however, it's important for you to put enough money in your 401(k) plan to take advantage of the company match. If your company matches dollar for dollar up to 3 percent of your salary, for instance, then you should by all means contribute at least 3 percent. If the company puts in dollar for dollar all of your contribution up to 6 percent, make sure you're putting away 6 percent in your 401(k).
It's important that you have a good understanding of your 401(k) plan. You should be aware of when you're able to change the amount of your contribution and move your money from one investment to another.
Employees get to decide where to invest their 401(k) funds from a list of choices provided by the employer. A greater number of choices increases the cost of the plan, so most employers provide about six choices.
If you have a 401(k), you should try not to touch it until retirement. If you need to, however, if there is a “hardship,” there is a special provision that allows you to get your 401(k) money early.
Under the hardship provision, you can withdraw from the plan while you're still working for the firm that provides the plan. You don't need to quit to get your money out of the retirement plan. You just ask your employer for the money. Your employer must make sure that the reason you need the money falls within the IRS guidelines. If your need qualifies as a hardship, you'll get your money.
You don't need to repay the withdrawn funds, but you'll need to pay tax on them at the end of the year. Tax is withheld when you withdraw the funds.