Retirement

Universal Availability Notice

403(b) Voluntary tax-defered annuity and Roth programs

Universal availability notice for calendar year 2026

This federally required notice provides important information regarding the University of Alaska’s (UA) voluntary tax-deferred annuity (TDA) program and Roth program. All UA employees are eligible to participate in these voluntary retirement accounts. Use this notice as an opportunity to (1) begin making pre- or post-tax contributions depending on individual retirement goals or (2) review current elections and submit for changes. Please speak with a financial advisor prior to making an initial election or updating a current one.

Definitions

  • Tax-deferred Annuity (TDA)
    A TDA allows you to set aside pre-tax funds into a 403(b) retirement account. Participation is voluntary. Contributions are not matched by UA.

  • Roth Account (with TIAA only)
    A Roth allows you to set aside post-tax funds into a Roth 403(b) retirement account. Participation is voluntary. Contributions to a Roth are not matched by UA. 

When and how do I enroll?

  • Start, stop, or change anytime
    Employees can enroll in either/both the TDA or the Roth 403(b) accounts immediately upon hire or any time after. Elective deferrals can be updated or stopped at any time by completing a new salary reduction agreement. The 403(b) form can be found on our 403(b) website.

  • Enroll with UA and enroll with the provider
    First, open the account with your provider if you do not have one already. This prevents delays when your payroll deduction begins. Second, complete UA’s 403(b) salary reduction agreement. This authorizes UA to send your contributions to your provider.

When are my contributions effective?

  • Next Available Pay Period
    Contributions will begin in the next available pay period and will continue until you modify or revoke them with a revised salary reduction agreement.

  • 2026 Contributions - start on time! Submit by December 19, 2025!
    To guarantee your 2026 contributions are effective with the first paycheck of 2026 (paid to employees on January 9, 2026), your form must be submitted no later than 5pm AKDT on December 19, 2025. Forms received after December 19 will be processed as quickly as possible but may not start in the first pay period of the 2026 calendar year. 

What is the maximum amount that I can contribute?

  • Limits by the IRS
    The IRS limits the annual contributions you can make to a 403(b) plan. The contribution limits for 2026 are:
    • 403(b) Elective Deferral Limit $24,500* (an increase of $1,000)
    • 403(b) Age 50 Catch-up $8,000 (an increase of $500)
    • 403(b) Age 60-63 Catch-up $11,250 (no change)
    • 403(b) Special 15 years of service catch-up $3,000 max (no more than 5 years)

*The 403(b) elective deferral limit of $24,500 is the combined total of pre-tax contributions via TDA and post-tax contributions via Roth 403(b). Contributions through all vehicles cannot exceed the $24,500 IRS limit.

  • Speak with a Financial Advisor
    Before you make an initial contribution or update current contributions, please speak to a financial advisor. UA is not authorized to provide financial advice. The management of these accounts and compliance with IRS regulations remain solely with the employee.
  • Catch Up Amounts
    • Age 50+ Catch Up
      Employees over age 50 can contribute a catch up amount of up to $8,000 bringing the maximum contribution for calendar year 2026 to $32,500.

    • Ages 60-63 Catch Up
      Employees between the ages of 60 and 63 can elect a catch up of up to $11,250 bringing the maximum contribution for calendar year 2026 to $35,750.

*To be eligible for this catch up, you must be turning 60, 61, 62, or 63 in the calendar year you are making the contribution. In the calendar year you turn 64, only the regular age 50 catch-up is allowed.

  • 15-year Catch Up
    The total 15-year catch up allowed is $15,000 over five years. It is not automatic and an eligibility calculation is required. If both the age 50 or age 60-63 catch-up and the special 15 years of service catch-up apply, the special catch-up applies first to its maximum extent, and then age catch-up applies. Reach out to your financial advisor to discuss if you believe the 15 year catch-up may apply.
  • 403(b) Contribution Limits Exclude Contributions to the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)
    The 403(b) contribution limits apply to elective deferrals under the voluntary 403(b) program only (not the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)). If you are a participant in the ORP and voluntary 403(b), your maximum contributions to both accounts are limited to the lesser of $72,000 in 2026, or 100% of your compensation.

Who do I contact for additional information?

  • IRS
    To learn more about 403(b) plans, please visit the IRS website and search for Publication 571.
  • Providers
    Information about approved providers for UA’s voluntary 403(b) program can be found online on our 403(b) webpage.