You contribute to your 401(k) account through deductions from your MIT paycheck. You can contribute on a pre-tax basis, Roth post-tax basis, or a combination of both. You may change your contribution preferences any time through Fidelity Investments.
Comparing Pre-Tax and Roth Post-Tax Contributions
The following table compares key features of the two types of contributions. Speak with MIT’s dedicated Fidelity onsite representative or your financial or tax advisor to help you decide how best to save today.
Feature | Traditional Pre-Tax | Roth Post-Tax |
---|---|---|
Annual contribution limit |
The IRS limits your total contributions each year – Roth, pre-tax, or a combination. The 2024 combined limit is $23,000 ($30,500 if you are age 50 or over). |
|
Current income taxes |
None. |
Taxed as part of your pay at the time you contribute. |
Enrollment |
You must make an active contribution election – no automatic enrollment. |
|
Investment options |
The same investment options are available for both pre-tax and Roth funds. Visit Fidelity NetBenefits for more detail. |
|
Loans |
Yes – Pre-tax contributions are available to borrow. |
No – Roth contributions are not available to borrow (but are counted as part of your account balance in determining the maximum loan amount). |
MIT match |
The 5% MIT match applies to combined pre-tax and Roth contributions. The MIT match is provided pre-tax, and therefore is fully taxable when you withdraw your matching contributions from the plan, along with associated investment earnings. |
|
Taxes on plan payouts |
Contributions and investment earnings will be subject to income taxes at the time you receive payment and, if paid before you reach age 59½, an additional 10% penalty tax. There is no tax penalty if you leave MIT and start taking withdrawals after age 55. |
None if paid out to you after age 59½ and it has been five or more calendar years since you made your first Roth contribution. Otherwise, investment earnings on your Roth contributions will be subject to income taxes and, if paid before you reach age 59½, an additional 10% penalty tax. |
Vesting |
You always own 100% of your contributions – both pre-tax and Roth – as well as the MIT match, along with all associated investment earnings. |
|
When you can receive a plan payout |
Any time after your employment with MIT ends. |
Roth Details
See information on withdrawals while you are working, converting existing pre-tax contributions, and rollovers from a previous employer's retirement plan. Learn more.
Need Help or Have Questions?
Contact MIT Benefits by phone, email or in-person, or see the additional contact options below.
Vendor | Phone | Website |
---|---|---|
Fidelity – 401(k) Plan | 1-877-MIT-SAVE or 1-877-648-7283 |
NetBenefits |
Related Documents & Forms
Forms
Plan participants who qualify as low- or moderate-income workers may receive a tax credit.