The 457(b) is a supplemental retirement plan that allows employees to set aside payroll-deducted contributions on a pre or after-tax basis. An executive deferred compensation plan allows highincome employees to put off paying taxes on part of their income until retirement.A 457(b) plan is a tax-deferred retirement savings plan. Funds are withdrawn from an employee's income without being taxed and are only taxed upon withdrawal. A non qualified deferred compensation plan is a strategy companies use to provide additional supplemental benefits to their key people. Eligible employees may enroll in the NC Deferred Compensation Plan (457) at any time.