We'll explain the major state personal income tax considerations that apply to deferred compensation or retirement income. Tax Treatment: The employer gets a deduction when the award is paid to the executive, and the executive is taxed on receipt.Employer contributions made under a salary reduction agreement are deferred from income tax, but are subject to FICA tax. With the tax-deferred 457 plan, your money goes into your account before taxes come out of your check. 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 Funds are withdrawn from an employee's income without being taxed and are only taxed upon withdrawal.