If your actual contributions are greater than your MAC, you have an excess contribution. Excess contributions can result in income tax, additional taxes, and penalties. The effect of excess contributions depends on the type of excess contribution. This chapter discusses excess contributions to your 403(b) account.

At the end of the year or the beginning of the next year, you should refigure your MAC based on your actual compensation and actual contributions made to your account.

If the actual contributions to your account are greater than your MAC, you have excess contributions. If, at any time during the year, your employment status or your compensation changes, you should refigure your MAC using a revised estimate of compensation to prevent excess contributions.