New Roth Contribution Options for 403(b) Plan

submitted by vachta@augsburg.edu

Effective January 1, 2026
We are updating our 403(b) plan to offer new retirement saving options for eligible employees.

1. New Roth Contribution Option
– What it is: You can now direct your regular employee contributions to a Roth 403(b) account.

– Roth Benefit: Contributions are made after taxes, and all qualified withdrawals (contributions + earnings) are tax-free in retirement.

– Action: You will be able to choose between the existing pre-tax option or the new Roth option beginning December 29, 2025. Employees must opt in to the Roth contribution option.

2. Mandatory Roth Catch-Up Contributions (SECURE 2.0 Act)
– Who is affected: Employees age 50 or older who had FICA wages exceeding $150,000 in 2025.

– The Change: In compliance with federal law, any catch-up contributions you elect to make in 2026 MUST be designated as Roth (after-tax). Pre-tax catch-up contributions will no longer be available to those who meet this threshold.

– Action: If this applies to you, your catch-up contributions will automatically be designated as Roth.

Want to learn more about after-tax Roth contributions?

Compare Roth & Pre-Tax Contributions: https://web.augsburg.edu/hr/2026benefits/403bRoth.pdf

TIAA Webinar
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
10:00 AM
Register at https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5117171/0E39DBCE09AF9940483F628C85085771

Register for Roth Contribution Webinar