There are two main types of retirement accounts: the accounts you can open yourself, and the accounts available through an employer. Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are retirement accounts you can open on your own. A 403(b) is a workplace retirement account similar to a 401(k).
What is a 403(b)?
A 403(b) plan is a tax-advantaged retirement savings account offered by nonprofit organizations, public schools, and religious institutions to their employees. It's very similar to a 401(k) plan offered by employers in the private sector.
A 403(b) is not the same as an individual retirement account (IRA).
403(b) vs. IRA
The main differences between a 403(b) and an IRA are where they're offered and who qualifies. Typically, only people who work for nonprofits or in public service, such as a hospital or school, have access to a 403(b) plan. On the other hand, anyone who has income from work — what the IRS calls “taxable compensation” — can open and contribute to an IRA.
IRA vs. 403(b)
| Feature | 403(b) plan | IRA |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Offered by employers in the nonprofit and public sectors to their employees. | Anyone with earned income can open an IRA. |
| Contribution limits | The limit is $24,500 in 2026. People aged 50 and older can contribute an extra $8,000 as a catch-up contribution. Due to the Secure 2.0 Act, those aged 60, 61, 62 and 63 get a higher catch-up contribution of $11,250.. | The limit is $7,500 for 2026 ($8,600 if aged 50 and older). |
| Matching contributions | Often available, but varies by employer. | Typically not available, though some providers may offer a match. |
| Investment choices | Limited investment options, typically annuities or mutual funds. | Broad investment options, including stocks, bonds, ETFs and more. |
| Tax benefits | Pre-tax or Roth, depending on plan provider. | Traditional or Roth. |
| Early withdrawal rules | May incur 10% penalty and income tax for non-qualified withdrawals. | May incur 10% penalty and income tax for non-qualified withdrawals. Roth contributions — not earnings — can come out tax- and penalty-free. |
403(b) contribution limits
The annual maximum contribution to a 403(b) is $24,500 in 2026. People aged 50 and older can contribute an extra $8,000 as a catch-up contribution. Due to the Secure 2.0 Act, those aged 60, 61, 62 and 63 get a higher catch-up contribution of $11,250. .
- Employees with 15 or more years of service with their employer may also qualify for additional contributions to a 403(b) plan.
- The maximum 403(b) contribution is a combined limit: If you also contribute to a 401(k), SIMPLE IRA or some other workplace retirement plan, the annual maximum is for all of those plans combined.
Can you contribute to a 403(b) and an IRA?
You can contribute the maximum to a 403(b) and contribute the maximum to a traditional or Roth IRA in the same year. (Note that Roth IRAs have income limits that restrict who can contribute.)
- The IRA annual contribution limit is $7,500 for 2026 ($8,600 if aged 50 and older).
- You can contribute more money to a 403(b) plan than you can to an IRA.
» MORE: How to retire early
How to set up a 403(b) or an IRA
- You enroll in a 403(b) plan at work, through your employer.
- You can set up an IRA with a financial advisor, online broker or bank in just a few minutes.
» Ready to get started? See our picks for the year's best financial advisors
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- 1. IRS.gov. Traditional and Roth IRAs. Accessed Nov 14, 2025.
