Employer Maintains BOTH 403(b) and 457

[PJ2009]

Clearly, a 401(a) plan and a 403(b) plan must be aggregated when applying the 402(g) limits and catch-up contributions. But what if the employer has a 403(b) plan and a 457 plan? Can the 50+ employee contribute $16,500 in elective deferrals and $5,500 in catch-up contributions to each plan, essentially "double dipping"? I have not found clear authority on this matter, but have noted that 457 plans seem to be treated separately for so many of the retirement plan rules.

Thank you!

[John Feldt ERPA CPC QPA]

The 457(b) "annual deferral" limit (which is vested employer contributions plus employee contributions) has no bearing on the 402(g) limit which affects a 403(b) salary deferral.