403(b) Contribution Calculator
403(b) plans offer some of the most generous contribution opportunities for employees of schools, hospitals, and non-profits. In addition to the same base and age-50 catch-up limits as 401(k) plans, long-tenured employees may qualify for the unique 15-year service catch-up that allows an extra $3,000 per year (lifetime limit $15,000). This calculator calculates your total allowable 403(b) contribution for 2025 based on your age, years of service, and remaining 15-year service catch-up balance.
403(b) contribution limit formula (2025)
Base = $23,500
Age catch-up: age 50-59 or 64+ = $7,500; age 60-63 = $11,250
15-yr service catch-up = min($3,000, $15,000 - prior used) if years >= 15
Total = Base + age catch-up + 15-year catch-up
The 15-year service catch-up is subject to a $15,000 lifetime maximum and is available only from employers that are public schools, hospitals, home health service agencies, health and welfare service agencies, churches, or similar entities under IRS Section 403(b)(4).
403(b) plan highlights
- 403(b) plans are available to employees of 501(c)(3) organizations, public school employees, and certain ministers.
- Investment options typically include mutual funds and fixed or variable annuity contracts.
- Some 403(b) plans allow Roth (after-tax) contributions with the same limits as the Traditional option.
- Employer contributions count toward the Section 415 total additions limit of $70,000 for 2025, but not toward the elective deferral limit of $23,500.
- Consult IRS Publication 571 for the complete rules on 403(b) limits, including the complex limit calculations for the 15-year service catch-up.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 403(b) plan?
A 403(b) plan is a tax-deferred retirement savings account available to employees of public schools, hospitals, non-profit organizations, and certain other tax-exempt entities. It works similarly to a 401(k), with the same basic contribution limits, but has some unique additional catch-up provisions.
What is the 15-year service catch-up for 403(b) plans?
Employees who have at least 15 years of service with the same qualifying employer may contribute an additional $3,000 per year to their 403(b), up to a lifetime limit of $15,000 under this provision. This catch-up is available regardless of age and is in addition to the age-50 catch-up.
Can I use both the 15-year service catch-up and the age-50 catch-up?
Yes, but the IRS requires that the 15-year service catch-up be applied before the age-50 catch-up when calculating total contributions. The combined use of both catch-ups can significantly increase your annual contribution limit if you qualify.
What are the 2025 403(b) contribution limits?
The base elective deferral limit is $23,500. The age-50 catch-up adds $7,500 (or $11,250 for the 60-63 super catch-up). The 15-year service catch-up adds up to $3,000 more. In theory, a qualifying 60-63 year old employee with 15+ years of service could contribute up to $37,750 in 2025.
Is there a difference between a 403(b) and a 401(k) for employees?
For most employees, the practical difference is small: similar contribution limits, tax treatment, and investment options. The key distinction is the employer type (non-profit/public education vs. for-profit). The 15-year service catch-up is unique to 403(b) plans. Some 403(b) plans also offer investment in annuity contracts or mutual funds through custodial accounts.
Official sources
- IRS Publication 571: Tax-Sheltered Annuity Plans (403(b) Plans)
- IRS: 403(b) Retirement Plan Overview
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 15 June 2026. See our methodology.