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)?

888-320-1153
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern time

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.

Time is on your side

The passing years also bring the benefit of compounding . Any interest , dividends , and capital gains your account accumulates generate earnings on top of earnings. In other words, your money makes money!

Learn about risk, reward & time
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What plan sponsors need to know

Vanguard 403(b) Services provides premier recordkeeping, easy plan management, and day-to-day support from an assigned client services team in partnership with Newport Group.2

Find out more about Vanguard 403(b) Services for plan sponsors
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What plan participants need to know

You can build for your future today with low-cost funds and dedicated support through Vanguard 403(b) Services.

Find out more about Vanguard 403(b) Services for plan participants
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Costs matter

Benjamin Franklin famously said: "A penny saved is a penny earned." Vanguard is living proof. Our low fund costs and straightforward 403(b) fees can help you keep more of your earnings in your pocket—where they belong.

Lower your 403(b) plan fees & fund costs at Vanguard

Why choose Vanguard?

Our track record of reliable 403(b) plan management; high-quality, 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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Why choose Vanguard?

Our track record of reliable 403(b) plan management; high-quality, 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.

Get Started

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We're here to help

Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern time

Plan participants

Call 855-352-0935

Existing plan sponsors

Call 844-895-3176

Prospective plan sponsors

Call 844-678-1977

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