A 401(a) and a 401(k) are both employer-sponsored retirement plans, each named after a part of the tax code. The key differences between the two come down to who's eligible to participate and who dictates how much employees contribute to each account. Below, we'll explore how the two accounts compare in terms of contribution limits, investment options, and more.
How a 401(a) works
Most people are familiar with the more common 401(k), but few understand the 401(a). That's not surprising considering 401(a)s are usually offered only to government and nonprofit employees.
Both employees and employers can contribute to a 401(a). While 401(k)s allow employees to decide how much to contribute, 401(a)s can have mandatory or voluntary employee contributions. These contributions come out of each paycheck, just like 401(k) contributions. Employers usually decide whether 401(a) contributions are pre-tax or post-tax, and they establish the vesting schedule for employer-matched funds, just as they do with 401(k)s. This determines whether you get to keep your company match if you quit. If you leave before you're fully vested, you could forfeit some or all of your company match.
401(a) plans are usually offered to a select group of key employees because they're easy to customize. Companies can craft 401(a)s in a way that suits the participants as an added employee benefit. If an employee later leaves the company, they can roll over their 401(a) into another qualified retirement plan, such as a 401(k) or an annuity.
Because 401(k)s and 401(a)s are both retirement plans, you are not intended to withdraw money before turning 59 1/2. If you withdraw before that time, you'll pay a 10% early withdrawal penalty -- on top of income tax, if your contributions were pre-tax. If you funded your 401(a) with after-tax contributions, you won't pay taxes when you withdraw your contributions, though you could still owe taxes and penalties on your earnings. There are exceptions to the early withdrawal penalty for things like major medical expenses and educational expenses, but you still owe taxes on these withdrawals.
Contribution limits
Your contribution to a 401(a) is limited to the lesser of $58,000 in 2021 (or $61,000 in 2022) or 100% of your compensation.
This is also the limit for 401(k)s, though only the first $19,500 (or $26,000 if you're 50 or older) reduces your taxable income for the year. These rates increase in 2022 to $20,500 or $27,500 if you're 50 or older. If you decide to save more than this, your extra contributions will be after-tax contributions. This means you pay taxes on your contributions, but you don't owe taxes until you withdraw them.
These limits include employer contributions as well, so if your company matches contributions to your 401(a) or 401(k) on your behalf, that reduces the maximum you are able to contribute to your account as an individual.
Investment options
Employers are typically responsible for choosing the investment options available to employees with both a 401(a) and a 401(k). Typical 401(a) investment options include low-risk government bonds and mutual funds that focus on value-based stocks. Employees who use a 401(a) often have even fewer investment options to choose from than 401(k) participants. However, since 401(a)s are often designed specifically for a select group of employees, a few choices may be all they need.
401(k)s often offer more investment options, but are still known for offering far fewer options than an IRA. 401(k) options usually include mutual funds, though some companies may offer a handful of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and annuities as well. Employees who work for publicly traded companies may also be able to purchase company stock if they're interested.
Keep in mind
While it helps to understand the difference between 401(a)s and 401(k)s, you probably won't ever have to decide between the two accounts. Only government and nonprofit employees qualify for 401(a) plans, while employees of for-profit companies will typically have access to a 401(k).
Whichever type of retirement plan you end up with, make sure you review your investment options carefully and understand your plan's rules, particularly those surrounding company matches and withdrawals, so you can make the most of your retirement account.
