TAX DEFERRED SAVINGS PLANS UNDER IRS SECTION (403B) (formerly known as TSA's) AND DEFERRED COMPENSATION

State employees in higher education are eligible to enroll in a 403(b) Tax-Deferred Savings Plan (aka Tax-Sheltered Annuity, TSA, 403b) and/or the State Deferred Compensation SMART Plan and have money deducted from their paychecks before taxes to be invested for the future.

403b's are available from seven authorized vendors approved by the Commonwealth. Click here for a listing of these companies with contact names and numbers.

To enroll in a 403b, you must contact the company and obtain an enrollment/application from them. In addition, you will need to complete a Salary Reduction Agreement (SRA), available from the Payroll Office or by clicking here, which authorizes the College to deduct the specified amount from your paycheck each pay period. You must complete Parts 1-3 and sign Part 4 of the Salary Reduction Agreement before submitting it to the Payroll Office.

If you wish to enroll in the State Deferred SMART Plan, you must contact Great West Retirement Services at 1-877-457-1900 or visit the SMART Plan website at www.mass-smart.com.

Contributions to 403b's and the State Deferred Plan are exempt from both federal and state taxes.

Note: Accumulated sick pay, vacation pay and back pay may be deferred to your Commonwealth of Massachusetts Deferred Compensation SMART Plan Account. Click here for more information.

 

Annual Notice

In compliance with IRS regulations, we are providing you with an annual notice of your eligibility to participate in the Commonwealth's 403(b) plans. All employees are eligible with the exception of student employees. Please click here to view the official notice from the Department of Higher Education. 

 

403(b) Commonwealth Plan Summary

This document contains the rules and regulations governing the administration of the Commonwealth's 403(b) plans as well as a listing of approved vendors and what their plans offer.

 

Vendor Visits

No individual visits scheduled at this time. Please attend the Employee Benefits Fair on April 15.

 

SMART Plan Campus Visits

No individual visits scheduled at this time. Please attend the Employee Benefits Fair on April 15.