Skip to main content

What is the difference between the deferred compensation plan 457(b) and a tax sheltered annuity 403(b)?

Both plans are regulated by the Internal Revenue Service and allow employees to set aside a portion of their earnings as tax deferred for retirement. Both plans also offer Roth options. The deferred compensation plan is offered through the State of Illinois (https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Deferred/Pages/DeferredCompensation.aspx) where limits and more information can be found. The SIUE Supplemental Retirement Plan is a tax deferred (403b) annuity plan and is offered by the university. Approved vendors, limits and more information may be found in the Supplemental Retirement Plan web page at http://www.siue.edu/human-resources/benefits/retirement/403b.shtml. For both plans, employees are able to select various investment strategies and contribute up to the maximum allowable per law.