Division of Human Resources

Tax-Deferred Retirement Plan (TDR): Contributions

Under the TDR, you will receive Basic contributions from the University, whether or not you choose to contribute your own money. These contributions are a percentage of your base salary based on your age as of January 1 of each year. Then, if you choose to make your own contributions to your account, the University will provide Matching contributions up to 5% of your base salary (subject to Internal Revenue Code limitations). The chart below details the contribution schedule under the TDR.

Your Age University Basic Contribution
(no employee contribution required)
University Matching Contribution Total Potential University Contribution< Total Potential Employee + University Contribution
Up to 30 1.5% $-for-$ match on employee contributions up to 5% 6.5% 11.5%
30 - 39 3% 8% 13%
40 and over 4% 9% 14%

Your contributions are made on a pre-tax basis from your paycheck*. In addition, all contributions (from both you and the University) are made on a tax-deferred basis. This means that you do not pay taxes on the contributions or any investment earnings until you actually take the money out of your account.

*You may make after-tax contributions if desired. Contact the Retirement Call Center at 1-877-PENN-RET.

Please note that you may supplement the TDR by making additional tax-deferred contributions through the Supplemental Retirement Annuity (SRA).