10/11/2022
Are Pension Plans Taxable?
Most employer-sponsored pension plans are qualified, meaning they meet Internal Revenue Code 401(a) and Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) requirements.
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That gives them their tax-advantaged status for both employers and employees.
Contributions employees make to the plan come "off the top" of their paychecks—that is, are taken out of the employee's gross income.
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That effectively reduces the employee's taxable income, and the amount they owe the IRS come tax day. Funds placed in a retirement account then grow at a tax-deferred rate, meaning no tax is due on the funds as long as they remain in the account.