Supplemental Plans
In addition to Social Security and standard pension plans, large firms often offer a supplemental defined contribution plan or a supplemental savings plan. Currently, 30 percent of all employees participate in supplemental plans. Such plans function as the third leg of the retirement income stool; they also provide additional retirement income or serve as a source for accumulating funds to meet short-term needs and goals. These plans take one of two forms: savings plans that work as defined contribution plans, called 401(k) plans, and employee stock ownership plans.
Individual Retirement Accounts
Under current law, an employee who is not an active participant in an employer sponsored pension plan during any part of a year may contribute up to $2,000 unconditionally to an individual retirement account (IRA), with an additional $250 allowed for a spousal account. The latter provision applies ouly if a joint tax return is filed. Employees involved in employer-sponsored pension plans also may participate providing their income does not surpass limits set by the IRS