403b and 457 - contribute max to both?

[SeanTankarian]

Years ago I seem to remember university professors being able to max out both their 457b and 403b plans. Is this still the case? Can someone like a university professor contribute 18K to a 457b and 18k to a 403b? If so, what about catch-up contributions too? Thanks!

[Lou S.]

Unless there has been some law change that I am unaware of they decoupled the 403(b)/401(k) limit from the 457 limit years ago. So yes you can max 403(b)/401(k), including catchup and 457 plus catchup as well.

You still can't max both 403(b) and 401(k) those limits are still aggregated by individual SSN.

[Flyboyjohn]

I don't think you get the catch-up in a non-governmental 457 so the max becomes $18,000 in the 457 and $24,000 (with catch up) in the 403(b) or 401(k)

[Lou S.]

I don't think you get the catch-up in a non-governmental 457 so the max becomes $18,000 in the 457 and $24,000 (with catch up) in the 403(b) or 401(k)

Figure the government would make it overly complicated.

Looks like your are right. It's been a while since I looked up 457 rules we simply don't do them often enough.

http://www.irs.gov/Retirement-Plans/Plan-Participant,-Employee/Retirement-Topics-457b-Contribution-Limits