Lohn & Leistungen · Glossar

What is 401(k)?

Schnelldefinition

A US employer-sponsored retirement plan that lets employees save pre-tax dollars. Often includes employer matching.

Vollständige Erklärung

A 401(k) is a US employer-sponsored, tax-advantaged retirement savings plan. Employee contributions are made pre-tax (traditional 401k) or post-tax (Roth 401k), reducing current taxable income. The 2026 employee contribution limit is $23,500 ($31,000 if 50+). Employer matching is free money: a typical match is 50% of contributions up to 6% of salary. Many employers require a 1–2 year vesting period for the match. 401(k) funds typically include mutual funds, target-date funds, and sometimes company stock. Withdrawals before age 59½ incur a 10% penalty plus income tax. The 401(k) is the cornerstone of US retirement savings for most workers.

Verwandte Rechner

Calculators that use or explain 401(k).

Verwandte Begriffe

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Last reviewed: June 15, 2026 • Category: Lohn & Leistungen