A 457(b) plan is a tax-advantaged retirement savings plan available to local government workers and some employees of nonprofit organizations. It’s similar to a 401(k) plan, but one that’s available to firefighters, law enforcement officers, municipal employees, and other civil servants.

　　As with many retirement plan types, there are traditional and Roth versions of the 457(b), although not all plans offer both types. In a traditional 457(b) plan, contributions are deducted from your paycheck before taxes, and the assets are allowed to grow on a tax-deferred basis—with no capital gains taxes assessed along the way. Instead, you pay taxes at your tax rate when you make withdrawals in retirement.

　　Some employers offer a Roth option for 457(b) plans, in which case you pay taxes up front, but all withdrawals you make during your retirement are tax free. In general, 457 plans allow you to invest in mutual funds and annuities, but typically may not invest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or individual stocks.

　　For 2024, the contribution limit for a 457(b) plan is $23,000. Employees over the age of 50 can add catch-up contributions worth up to an additional $7,500. Unless you still work for the company that offers your 457(b) plan, you must take required minimum distributions (RMDs) starting at age 72.

　　In a typical tax-deferred plan, if you take withdrawals before age 59 1/2, you’re assessed a 10% early withdrawal penalty (on top of the normal taxes you’d owe). However, in a 457(b) plan, if you stop working for the employer that sponsors your plan, you can make withdrawals at any age without being assessed the penalty.

　　Learn more about retirement income planning and different types of tax-advantaged retirement accounts.

　　Timothy Lake