This chapter introduces you to 403(b) plans and accounts. Specifically, the chapter answers the following questions.

• What is a 403(b) plan?
• What are the benefits of contributing to a 403(b) plan?
• Who can participate in a 403(b) plan?
• Who can set up a 403(b) account?
• How can contributions be made to my 403(b) account?
• Do I report contributions on my tax return?
• How much can be contributed to my 403(b) account?

A 403(b) plan, also known as a tax-sheltered annuity (TSA) plan, is a retirement plan for certain employees of public schools, employees of certain tax-exempt organizations, and certain ministers.

Individual accounts in a 403(b) plan can be any of the following types.

• An annuity contract, which is a contract provided through an insurance company,
• A custodial account, which is an account invested in mutual funds, or
• A retirement income account set up for church employees. Generally, retirement income accounts can invest in either annuities or mutual funds.

We use the term "403(b) account" to refer to any one of these funding arrangements throughout this publication, unless otherwise specified.