Top 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan Administrators

Discover leading 457(b) plan administrators for state and local government employees. Compare recordkeepers and TPAs specializing in deferred compensation plans with no early withdrawal penalties.

Browse 20+ providers in this category.

Featured Providers

  • Gusto
    Third-Party Administrator
    <p>Best known for tying payroll and benefits into one system, Gusto offers an integrated way for employers to run payroll, handle HR basics, and add w...
  • KTRADE - Plymouth, IN
    Third-Party Administrator
    Retirement plan provider.
  • Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company - Columbus, OH
    Third-Party Administrator
    <p>Retirement plan administration and recordkeeping are part of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company’s employee benefits business, supporting employers...
  • Lincoln Financial Group - Radnor, PA
    Third-Party Administrator
    <p>Retirement plan administration is a core part of Lincoln Financial Group’s business, with a focus on recordkeeping and compliance support for emplo...
  • ForUsAll - San Carlos, CA
    Third-Party Administrator
    <p>Built for startups and small to mid-sized employers, ForUsAll runs 401(k) plans with a focus on plan design and recordkeeping. Founded in 2012, the...
  • American Trust Retirement - Dubuque, IA
    Third-Party Administrator
    <p>Retirement plan administration and recordkeeping are the core of American Trust Retirement, a division of AmericanTCS. Founded in 1973, the firm wo...
  • Ascensus, LLC - Dresher, PA
    Third-Party Administrator
    <p>Retirement plan administration and recordkeeping are core parts of what Ascensus, LLC does, with a mix of plan design and compliance support for em...
  • Americas Best 401k - Scottsdale, AZ
    Third-Party Administrator
    <p>Built for small and mid-sized employers with roughly 5–500 employees, Americas Best 401k is a retirement plan administrator that focuses on lowerin...
  • Ameritas Retirement Plans - Lincoln, NE
    Third-Party Administrator
    <p>Retirement plan administration and related financial services, with a focus on recordkeeping and compliance support. Ameritas Retirement Plans work...
  • Aspire Financial Services - Tampa, FL
    Third-Party Administrator
    <p>Retirement plan recordkeeping is Aspire Financial Services’ main line of work, with a focus on K–12 retirement programs such as 403(b), 457, and IR...
  • Basic Capital - New York, NY
    Third-Party Administrator
    <p>Runs bundled 401(k) administration with in-house recordkeeping and 3(16) services, built for employers that want a single provider for core plan op...
  • BPAS - Utica, NY
    Third-Party Administrator
    <p>Retirement plan administration and recordkeeping are the core of BPAS’s work for employer-sponsored plans. The firm handles day-to-day plan operati...
  • Betterment at Work - New York, NY
    Third-Party Administrator
    <p>Betterment at Work is a retirement plan administrator that runs workplace retirement programs with a tech-first recordkeeping platform. Founded in ...
  • Canada Life - Toronto, ON
    Third-Party Administrator
    <p>Retirement plan administration and recordkeeping are a core part of Canada Life’s group business, with participant advice available alongside group...
  • Capital Group - Los Angeles, CA
    Third-Party Administrator
    <p>Capital Group is a retirement plan administrator that handles plan design, compliance, and recordkeeping for workplace retirement plans. Founded in...
  • Empower - Greenwood Village, CO
    Third-Party Administrator
    <p>Empower is a retirement plan administrator that provides recordkeeping for employer-sponsored retirement plans. It is the second-largest retirement...
  • Desjardins Financial Security Life Assurance Company - Lévis, QC
    Third-Party Administrator
    <p>Desjardins Financial Security Life Assurance Company is an insurance and retirement savings administrator that runs recordkeeping and participant a...
  • Epic Retirement Plan Services - Rochester, NY
    Third-Party Administrator
    <p>Retirement plan administration and recordkeeping are the core of Epic Retirement Plan Services (Epic RPS), a third-party administrator that also pe...
  • Equitable - New York, NY
    Third-Party Administrator
    <p>Recordkeeping and retirement plan administration are the core of Equitable’s work for employer-sponsored plans. The firm handles day-to-day plan op...
  • Fidelity Investments - Boston, MA
    Third-Party Administrator
    <p>Provides retirement plan administration and recordkeeping for employer-sponsored plans. Fidelity Investments is a multinational financial services ...
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Understanding the 457 Retirement Plan and Top Providers

If you work for a state or local government, or a tax-exempt organization, a 457 retirement plan may be one of the best ways to save for your future. These deferred compensation plans offer significant tax advantages, allowing employees to defer income taxation on retirement savings until future years. Whether you have an eligible 457(b) plan or an ineligible 457(f) plan, understanding how these plans work and knowing the best providers is essential for a successful retirement strategy.

What is a 457 Retirement Plan?

A 457(b) deferred compensation plan allows eligible employees to contribute pre-tax (tax-deferred) money, and sometimes after-tax Roth contributions, into a retirement account. These contributions and all associated earnings are not subject to tax until withdrawal. Unlike some other plans, 457(b) assets typically become available for withdrawal once an employee leaves employment, regardless of age, which offers unique flexibility.

Eligibility for establishing a 457(b) plan is limited to state and local governments or organizations tax-exempt under IRC 501(c). Contributions are made either by the employer or through employee salary reductions, subject to annual IRS limits. Offering a 457 retirement plan is often a key part of an employer’s recruitment and retention strategy.

Top 457 Retirement Plan Providers

Choosing the right provider is crucial for maximizing your retirement savings. The best providers offer dedicated service teams, educational resources, and clear reporting to help you manage your account effectively. Based on industry recognition and service offerings, here are some of the top companies specializing in 457 plans:

  • Empower: Often cited as a top leader in the retirement space, providing comprehensive administrative and participant services.
  • Nationwide: Offers robust solutions for both public-sector and non-profit employers.
  • MissionSquare Retirement (formerly ICMA-RC): A major provider focusing specifically on public service organizations.
  • Fidelity Workplace Investing: Known for its wide range of investment options and strong digital platforms.
  • Voya Financial: Offers tailored deferred compensation plans and financial guidance.
  • TIAA: A prominent provider, especially strong within the educational and research fields.
  • Transamerica: Provides a variety of retirement solutions including 457 plans.

When selecting a provider for your 457 retirement plan, consider factors like investment performance, fees, available investment options, and the quality of participant support. Many providers also offer features like Roth contribution options, loan availability, and unforeseeable emergency distributions, subject to plan rules. Ensuring your plan meets your long-term financial goals starts with partnering with a reliable and experienced provider.

For more detailed information on contribution limits and specific plan rules, consult the "">IRS guidelines for 457(b) deferred compensation plans.

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