403(b) Calculator: Contribution, RMD, Early Withdrawal & Retirement Planning (2026)
Plan your tax-advantaged retirement with our all-in-one 403 b calculator suite. From contribution limits and employer match to RMDs, early withdrawal penalties, and Roth vs. Traditional comparisons — updated for SECURE 2.0 Act and 2026 IRS guidelines. Get accurate estimates for your 403(b) plan in minutes.
403(b) Contribution & Employer Match Calculator
Estimate your annual deferral, employer match, and take-home impact. For 2026, the elective deferral limit is $23,500 (under age 50) plus $7,500 catch-up for age 50+.
403(b) RMD Calculator (Required Minimum Distribution)
Starting in 2026, RMD age is 73 (SECURE 2.0). Calculate the minimum you must withdraw from your 403(b).
403(b) Early Withdrawal & Tax Penalty Calculator
Withdrawals before age 59½ incur a 10% penalty plus ordinary income tax. See the net amount you'd keep after taxes and penalty.
Roth 403(b) vs Traditional 403(b) Calculator
Compare future after-tax values. Traditional saves taxes now, Roth grows tax-free. Assumes same contribution amount pre-tax equivalent.
403(b) Loan Repayment Calculator
Estimate monthly payments on a 403(b) loan (max $50,000 or 50% of vested balance). Terms typically 5 years (or longer for home purchase).
403(b) Savings Growth & Compound Interest Calculator
Project your 403(b) future balance including contributions, employer match, and compounding returns.
Understanding 403(b) Plans: 2026 Rules & Strategies
A 403(b) plan (tax-sheltered annuity) is a retirement account for public school employees, certain non-profits, and ministers. It offers tax-deferred growth similar to a 401(k) but with unique catch-up provisions. In 2026, the base contribution limit is $23,500 (up from $23,000 in 2025 due to inflation indexing). If you are age 50 or older, an additional $7,500 catch-up applies. Additionally, employees with 15+ years of service may qualify for a special “15-year rule” catch-up (up to $3,000 per year, lifetime max $15,000).
Key 2026 Updates for 403(b) Account Owners
- RMD age increased: Required Minimum Distributions now start at age 73 (SECURE 2.0 Act). For those turning 73 in 2026, first RMD due by April 1, 2027.
- Penalty reduction: The excise tax for missed RMD reduced from 50% to 25% (10% if corrected within 2 years).
- Roth 403(b) flexibility: No RMDs required for Roth 403(b) balances starting in 2024 — extended for 2026, making Roth accounts even more attractive.
- High-earner catch-up: For 2026, participants earning over $145,000 can only make catch-up contributions to a Roth 403(b).
403(b) Contribution Limits Table (2026)
| Category | 2026 Limit |
|---|---|
| Elective deferral (under 50) | $23,500 |
| Catch-up (age 50+) | $7,500 |
| Total with catch-up (50+) | $31,000 |
| 15-year service catch-up (max additional) | $3,000/year (lifetime $15k) |
| Annual additions limit (employer+employee) | $69,000 or 100% of compensation |
Roth vs Traditional 403(b): Which One Wins?
Our Roth vs Traditional calculator above shows the break-even. Generally, if you expect higher tax rates in retirement, Roth 403(b) contributions are better. For 2026, with lower projected brackets for many, a mix can be strategic. Traditional reduces current taxable income, while Roth provides tax-free withdrawals. For high-income earners, prioritizing Roth catch-up contributions may become mandatory after 2026 under new legislation.
403(b) Withdrawal & RMD Planning Checklist (2026 Edition)
- ✓ Confirm your RMD starting age: born before 1953? RMD at 73.
- ✓ Use our RMD calculator to avoid under-withdrawal penalties.
- ✓ Consider QCDs (Qualified Charitable Distributions) from your 403(b) after age 70½ – tax-free giving up to $105,000 in 2026.
- ✓ Review your beneficiary designations — SECURE Act changes affect "stretch" provisions.
- ✓ If you leave your job, evaluate rollover options instead of cashing out (10% penalty + tax).
Frequently Asked Questions (403(b) Calculator & Rules)
Divide your prior Dec 31 account balance by the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table factor based on your age. Our RMD calculator does it instantly.
Yes, loans are not taxable if repaid within 5 years (or longer for home purchase). Interest paid goes back to your account. Use our loan repayment estimator.
10% federal penalty plus ordinary income tax unless exception applies (disability, separation at age 55+, medical expenses). Our penalty calculator shows net amount.
Multiply your gross salary by deferral percentage; ensure you don't exceed IRS limit. Our contribution calculator shows annual total and employer match.
Yes, qualified distributions from Roth 403(b) are tax-free (account held 5+ years and age 59½ or disability). No RMDs on Roth 403(b) assets.
If you have 15+ years of service with a qualifying organization, you may contribute an extra $3,000/year (max $15,000 lifetime) beyond normal catch-up.