401(k) Plans
401(k) Plans Qualified cash or deferred arrangements (CODAs) permitted under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, commonly referred to as "401(k) plans," have become one of the most popular types of employer-sponsored retirement plans. How does a 401(k) plan work? With a 401(k) plan, you elect either to receive cash payments (wages) from your employer immediately, or defer receipt of a portion of that income to the plan. The amount you defer (called an "elective deferral" or "pretax contribution") isn't currently included in your income; it's made with pretax dollars. Consequently, your federal taxable income (and federal income tax) that year is reduced. And the deferred ...