If your workplace offers both a 401(k) plan and a 457 plan to help you save for retirement, you may be wondering which one to invest in. The two retirement plans look very similar, and the super-creative numerical names based on IRS tax codes don't distinguish them much.
457s are savings plans primarily offered to government employees, including state and local government officials, public school teachers, county and city employees, and first responders. By contrast, 401(k) retirement plans are usually offered by private enterprises. But some big government employees might offer both. Here's how to decide which is the best choice for you.
401(k) plans
401(k) plans are qualified retirement plans, which means they conform to laws established by the 1974 Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Those laws ensure private employees offer the same 401(k) retirement benefits to all employees, but they can also have their drawbacks.
The biggest drawback is restrictions on withdrawals. The IRS will impose a 10% penalty for 401(k) withdrawals before the age of 59 1/2, with only a few exceptions. This ensures that 401(k) savings go toward an employee's retirement.
A 401(k) also allows for matching contributions from the employer above the standard employee contribution limit. Employers will typically offer to match a certain percentage of an employee's salary if the employee contributes that much to their 401(k) plan. 401(k) matches can add up to a meaningful portion of compensation, especially as you earn raises.
457 plans
457 plans are not qualified retirement plans, so they play by slightly different rules.
Since a 457 isn't subject to ERISA laws, withdrawals before age 59 1/2 aren't subject to the 10% penalty tax imposed on most early 401(k) withdrawals. That makes it easy to access your funds if you retire earlier than usual.
Unlike 401(k) plans, however, employer matching contributions are extremely rare with a 457. Most government entities offer employees a pension, which acts like an employer contribution. The 457 is seen as a supplemental savings plan for employees, enabling them to save more if they want. If an employer does offer a matching contribution for a 457, that amount will count toward the employee's annual contribution limit and be subject to FICA tax.
457 plans also offer generous catch-up contributions. If an employee is less than three years away from normal retirement age (as defined by the plan), they can contribute up to twice the standard annual contribution limit. However, employees cannot contribute more than the annual contribution limit plus the amount of the standard limit they didn't use in prior years. So if you max out your 457 plan every year, you'll be able to contribute only the standard limit plus the regular catch-up contribution for those 50 and older.
Which is better for you?
There are more commonalities than differences between a 401(k) and a 457.
- They both offer the same tax advantages. Employees can deduct their contributions from their taxes in the current year. Investments grow tax-free. And retirees pay regular income tax on withdrawals.
- They can both offer Roth options, which allow people to pay income tax now in exchange for tax-free withdrawals in retirement.
- They have the same standard contribution limits of $19,500 in 2021 and $20,500 in 2022 with an additional $6,500 catch-up contribution limit for those 50 and older.
- They both allow for loan provisions if you need to temporarily access funds early.
- They both typically offer a selection of mutual funds to invest in, and they charge fees for managing the plans.
The big differences are the penalty on early withdrawals and the potential employer match.
If your employer offers a match on the 401(k), it behooves you to contribute at least up until the match. Even if you expect to retire early, paying a 10% early withdrawal penalty on a 100% free match is still a good deal. Otherwise, those with plans for an early retirement ought to favor the 457.
All else being equal, investors should consider the investment options and fees for each plan. If one plan offers the ETFs or mutual funds you like or it has considerably lower fees, opt for that one. Fees can be a major drag on your investment returns over 30 or 40 years, so it pays to keep them low.
But maybe you don't have to make a choice at all -- there's nothing that says you can't contribute to both! If you want to get the employer match on the 401(k) but also want the flexibility of early withdrawals, invest in both plans.
Moreover, since a 457 isn't a qualified retirement plan, the contribution limits for a 457 and qualified retirement plans like a 401(k) don't overlap. That means you can contribute the maximum amount to both plans, and that's totally fine with the IRS. That's a potential $39,000 in tax-advantaged savings if your employer offers both a 401(k) and a 457. If you can swing it, that's probably the best option of all.
