403(b) Retirement Plan (pre-tax and after tax options)
The Voluntary Retirement Plan offers benefits-eligible employees the opportunity to invest through payroll deduction with a retirement provider approved by the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR). Annual limits are established by the IRS and include a base limit, an additional amount for employees who are age 50 or above and, an amount available to employees with at least 15 years of service at K-State who qualify for a higher annual limit.
Contributions may be pre-tax, after tax, or a combination of pre-tax and after tax to the maximum allowed by the IRS.
When Eligible: Benefits-eligible employees may begin contributing to a KBOR voluntary 403(b) plan on the first day of employment.
Who Pays: The employee contributes through payroll deduction up to the applicable maximum according to IRS regulations. There are no matching contributions by K-State.
What are the Investment Choices: Retirement plan providers are TIAA and Voya Financial.
How do I enroll: Complete Form PER-19 (pdf), or Form PER-19R (pdf)as applicable and return to benefits@ksu.edu. Changes will take effect with the pay period following receipt of the completed form.
Is there a minimum contribution amount: A minimum of $10, or 1% per pay period is required.
Is there a maximum contribution amount: For the 2026 calendar year, the IRS limit for elective deferrals to a 403(b) plan is $24,500. Employees who will be age 50 or older by the end of the year may contribute an additional $8,000 under the Age 50+ Catch-Up, for a total of $32,500. Employees who are age 60-63 in 2026 are eligible for an enhanced catch-up limit of$11,250under the Age 60–63 Catch-Up. In addition, employees with at least 15 years of service at K-State may qualify for the 15-Year Service Catch-Up, which may allow additional elective deferrals beyond the standard annual limit. These catch-up provisions may be used in the same year if applicable, and IRS ordering rules apply. The total combined employee and employer contribution limit (often referred to as the 415(c) limit) for 2026 is $72,000. Employees are responsible for monitoring their contributions across all employers to ensure they do not exceed IRS limits.
Can I roll over old Retirement Plan Accounts: This depends on the type of account to be rolled over. Please work with your investment provider directly on if this is permissible under your plan(s).
When can I take a distribution: Please visit the Kansas Board of Regents website for more information on distributable events and tax considerations.
The Kansas Board of Regents 403(b) plan is using Planwithease.com (PWE) to help administer the Retirement Program. PWE is a plan administration service which will act on behalf of the KBOR Retirement Program to review and approve distribution requests that are allowed under the KBOR Plans for approved providers.* PWE also offers account information and educational materials. See the link below
Or you can work directly with your investment provider’s financial advisor.
View the Special Tax Notice regarding your tax sheltered annuity to view additional information.
Access Your Account: