Fantastic! We are glad that you are taking a moment to consider the BERS Tax Deferred Annuity Program. How far are you from retirement? Will you be able to retire and have sufficient savings? Remember that in retirement, your income will be significantly less than it is today. You must begin planning now to ensure that in addition to your pension and Social Security payments, you have sufficient savings to maintain your desired standard of living. There are two ways to maintain your standard of living: reduce your expenses or increase your savings. Rather than cut back on your needs, we encourage you to increase your retirement income today by joining the BERS Tax Deferred Annuity Program (TDA).

The BERS TDA Program is specifically designed to encourage retirement savings for those in education service. You may choose to make your TDA contributions on a pre-tax basis, on a Roth basis, or a combination of the two. When you make pre-tax contributions, your savings are not taxed now (when you, as an active worker, are likely in a higher tax bracket), but upon withdrawal in retirement (when you will likely be in a lower tax bracket). When you make Roth contributions, these contributions are taxed when they are earned, but with proper planning, the earnings may be entirely tax-free. Regular, consistent contributions, made while you are working, will make certain that you have sufficient money to meet your retirement needs. For more information on the TDA program check out our TDA Brochure.

To enroll in the Tax Deferred Annuity Program

• TDA Enrollment Application
• TDA Designation of Beneficiary

Please note: School Crossing Guards and employees of the School Construction Authority are not eligible to participate in the BERS Tax Deferred Annuity program.