403(b) Retirement plans

Let our high-quality mutual funds and easy-to-manage plan help you achieve retirement success.

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Ready to invest in a 403(b)?

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What exactly is a 403(b) plan?

You could say that the 403(b) plan is a close relative of the more familiar 401(k) retirement savings plan. Both plan types offer tax-deferred growth. The major difference is the types of businesses that offer them.

  • 401(k) plans are generally available to employees of for-profit companies.
  • 403(b) plans are generally offered by public education institutions and certain tax-exempt organizations.

Saving in a 403(b) plan is a smart thing to do

A 403(b) plan can be an excellent way to help build retirement security—whether it's your only option for retirement saving, or it's supplementing another retirement account.

403(b) plans have high contribution limits and diversified investment choices.

You're in control. You choose where your money goes and how much you'll contribute ($24,500 for 2026). You'll also have options for how to withdraw your money in retirement.

And if your employer contributes to your plan, your savings get an extra boost!

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You may benefit from tax breaks

Like all retirement plans, 403(b) plans offer tax advantages—enabling you to save on taxes now and in some cases later, if your plan offers a Roth option.

Save on taxes now

Contributions are pre-tax , which allows you to postpone your tax bill while you put away money for retirement. Meanwhile, your earnings can continue to grow tax-free until you begin making withdrawals. By then, you may be in a lower tax bracket.1

Save on taxes later

If your plan offers a Roth contribution, your contributions are taxable now, but you get a future bonus—in addition to tax-free growth, you get tax-free withdrawals as long as you've owned your account for 5 years and you're age 59½ or older.

Why choose Vanguard's 403(b)?

Our track record of reliable 403(b) plan management; highquality, low-cost mutual funds ; and convenient account services makes Vanguard the smart choice for employers who want to help employees save for retirement and for employees seeking a trustworthy partner to help them reach their goals.

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866-438-0731

Existing plan sponsor
888-322-7571

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We're here to help

It’s easy to get started with a Vanguard 403(b) Service plan for your institution. We’ll help you every step of the way.

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Withdrawals taken before age 59½ may be subject to ordinary income tax plus a 10% federal penalty tax.

Retirement plan recordkeeping and administrative services are provided by The Vanguard Group, Inc. (VGI). VGI has entered into an agreement with Newport Group, Inc., to provide certain plan recordkeeping and administrative services on its behalf. Custodial services are provided by Newport Trust Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Newport Group, Inc. Newport Group, Inc., and Newport Trust Company are not affiliated with The Vanguard Group, Inc., or any of its affiliates.

All investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest.

Diversification does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss in a declining market.

For more information about Vanguard funds or ETFs, visit vanguard.com to obtain a prospectus or, if available, a summary prospectus. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information about a fund are contained in the prospectus; read and consider it carefully before investing.—