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What Is a 401(a) Plan?

By Robin Hartill, CFP – Updated Aug 6, 2025 at 7:45PM

Key Points

  • 401(a) plans are employer-sponsored, primarily by government and educational bodies.
  • Mandatory contributions set 401(a)s apart from 401(k)s, with a 25% income cap.
  • Leaving a job allows for 401(a) funds to roll over into an IRA or similar plans.
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