403(b) Calculator
Project your 403(b) balance at retirement. For teachers, nonprofit and church employees.
How it works
Enter your annual contribution, current age, retirement age, and expected return. The calculator projects your balance at retirement. 403(b) limits match 401(k); ages 60–63 may qualify for a higher catch-up if your plan allows.
403(b) contribution limits 2026
| Age group | 2026 limit |
|---|---|
| Under 50 | $24,500 |
| 50–59, 64+ | $32,500 (+$8,000 catch-up) |
| 60–63 | $35,750 (+$11,250 super catch-up) |
Limits mirror 401(k). Super catch-up (ages 60–63) requires plan adoption. Employer contributions are in addition to these elective limits.
403(b) vs 401(k) at a glance
| Feature | 403(b) | 401(k) |
|---|---|---|
| Employers | Schools, nonprofits, churches | For-profit companies |
| 2026 elective limit | $24,500 | $24,500 |
| Catch-up (50+) | $8,000 | $8,000 |
| Super catch-up (60–63) | $11,250 (if plan allows) | $11,250 (if plan allows) |
| Tax treatment | Traditional: pre-tax; Roth: after-tax | Same |
| Employer vesting | Often 15-year rule | Typically graded (3–6 years) |
403(b) tax treatment
Traditional 403(b): Contributions are pre-tax and reduce your taxable income for the year. Earnings grow tax-deferred. You pay income tax on withdrawals in retirement. RMDs start at 73 or 75 depending on birth year. Use our tax bracket calculator to estimate your bracket.
Roth 403(b): Contributions are after-tax. Earnings grow tax-free, and qualified withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. Roth 403(b) no longer has RMDs during your lifetime (SECURE 2.0). Many educators split between Traditional and Roth for tax diversification.
Common Questions
Who can contribute to a 403(b)?
Employees of public schools, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and certain ministers. Limits are the same as 401(k). Many teachers and nonprofit workers use a 403(b) as their main retirement plan alongside a Roth IRA.
403(b) vs 401(k): what's the difference?
Same contribution limits. 403(b) is for tax-exempt employers; 401(k) for for-profit. 403(b) may offer fewer investment choices. Employer contributions may vest under a 15-year rule. Use our 401(k) calculator for employer match modeling.
Is 403(b) tax-deductible?
Traditional 403(b) contributions reduce your taxable income—they are pre-tax. Roth 403(b) contributions are after-tax; you pay tax now but withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. Check your W-2: pre-tax contributions lower your reported wages.
Can I have 403(b) and Roth IRA?
Yes. 403(b) and Roth IRA limits are separate. You can max both. 2026 Roth IRA: $7,500 ($8,600 if 50+). Many teachers combine 403(b) with a Roth IRA for tax diversification. See our Roth IRA calculator.