403(b) Contribution Limits in 2025

If you are an employee of a public school or a nonprofit, you are likely familiar with 403(b) retirement plans. Like a 401(k), these plans allow participants to contribute pre-tax or after-tax dollars throughout their careers and save enough for retirement. However, you can’t just stash as much cash as you’d like in these savings vehicles. There are 403(b) contribution limits. You should be aware of the fact that this limit often changes from year to year to keep up with inflation. Read on to see the 2025 contribution limits for your 403(b) and 401(k), what sets a 403(b) apart from other retirement plans and what to do if you want to save more for your retirement.

Consider working with a financial advisor as you work to build a retirement nest egg.

What Are the 403(b) Contribution Limits for 2025?

403(b) contribution limits consist of your contribution and your employer’s contributions. On your end, you can defer up to $23,500 from your salary to your 403(b) in 2025. If you exceed this contribution limit, the IRS will tax your funds twice.

There is an exception for employees over the age of 50. These workers can defer an extra $7,500 in 2025 as a “catch-up” contribution. In addition, some employers will permit those with more than 15 years of experience to contribute an extra $3,000. If you qualify for both exceptions, your extra contributions would first go toward the experience exception, followed by the age exception when tallying your 403(b) contribution limits.

The employer contribution limits are slightly more complicated. Employers can contribute to their employees’ 403(b) plans until the total of contributions reaches either $70,000 or 100% of all includible compensation for the employee’s most recent year of work, whichever is lower. Includible compensation is any taxable wages and benefits you earn.

Understanding 403(b) Plans

A 403(b) plan is a retirement plan available to employees of public entities or organizations that qualify as tax-exempt charitable organizations. Its name comes from the same section of the Internal Revenue Code. Employees of nonprofit hospitals, churches and charities are the typical participants in 403(b) plans.

When it was first introduced, the 403(b) plan was also known as a tax-sheltered annuity, and participants could only purchase annuities through the plan. Since then, they have evolved to include mutual funds and other investment options beyond just annuities.

The primary difference between a 403(b) and 401(k) involves the type of employer that can offer each plan. The employers that can offer 403(b) plans are limited to those mentioned above, while a wide variety of for-profit organizations can offer 401(k) plans. This is why 401(k) plans are more common and recognizable.

What Should You Do if You Want to Contribute More To Your 403(b)?

If you’ve determined you need to be saving more than your allowable 403(b) contribution limits for your retirement, there are a couple of avenues you could pursue.

First, you could open a traditional or Roth IRA. These retirement plans come with their contribution limits. You could also consider purchasing an annuity from an insurance company. Annuities aren’t limited by the same caps as a 403(b) contribution limits or a 401(k) maximums, and they can help to supplement retirement income. However, be sure to beware of all the fees and commissions the insurers may attach.

Finally, you may be eligible for a 457(b) plan, which is offered to some tax-exempt and government entities.

What Happens if You Contribute Too Much To Your 403(b)?

If you contribute too much to your 403(b), the excess amount is considered an “excess deferral.” This can result in double taxation if not corrected promptly. The excess amount is taxed in the year it was contributed and again when it is withdrawn. To avoid this, it’s crucial to identify and rectify any over-contributions before the tax filing deadline, typically April 15th of the following year.

Failing to correct an excess contribution can lead to significant tax penalties. The IRS imposes a 6% excise tax on excess contributions that remain in the account each year. This penalty continues until the excess amount is withdrawn. Additionally, the excess contributions do not benefit from tax-deferred growth, which can impact your overall retirement savings strategy.

Bottom Line

A 403(b) plan can be a great option because of its tax advantages and the high 403(b) contribution limits. While having access is dependent on your employer, they are good plans to consider if you have the opportunity. As the contribution limits are currently $23,500, without including employer matching, many people won’t feel the need to look elsewhere for even more savings opportunities. If you do, however, you have a few options, like traditional IRAs and 457(b) plans, to supplement your 403(b).

Tips on Saving for Retirement

A financial advisor can help you navigate the limitations and benefits of various retirement plans and can save you time and stress. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
In addition to planning for retirement, it’s a good idea to have an emergency fund with three to six months of expenses just in case. Keep this money somewhere accessible, like a savings account.