The North Carolina Deferred Compensation Agreement — Long Form is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions for employees to defer a portion of their salary or compensation for retirement savings in the state of North Carolina. This agreement allows employees to set aside pre-tax contributions from their salary, which are then invested and grown tax-deferred until withdrawal during retirement. The North Carolina Deferred Compensation Agreement — Long Form is designed to comply with the applicable guidelines and regulations specified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the North Carolina Department of State Treasurer. It provides employees with the opportunity to plan for their retirement by making regular contributions to a deferred compensation plan. This agreement specifies the employee's eligibility, contribution limits, investment options, and withdrawal rules. It defines the roles and responsibilities of both the employee and the employer, ensuring a clear understanding of each party's obligations. The agreement also outlines the vesting schedule, which determines when the employee becomes fully entitled to the contributions made by the employer. The North Carolina Deferred Compensation Agreement — Long Form may have different variations or subtypes, depending on the specific retirement plan established by the state or the participating employer. These variations could include options such as the 457(b) plan, Roth 457(b) plan, or a combination of traditional and Roth plans. The 457(b) plan allows employees to defer a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis, meaning the contributions are deducted from the employee's income before income taxes are calculated. This can result in immediate tax savings for the employee. The funds contributed to the 457(b) plan grow tax-deferred until they are withdrawn during retirement, at which point they are subject to income taxes. The Roth 457(b) plan, on the other hand, enables employees to make contributions on an after-tax basis. This means that the contributions are deducted from the employee's income after taxes are calculated. While contributions to this plan do not provide immediate tax savings, the funds contributed and the earnings grow tax-free. Therefore, withdrawals made during retirement are not subject to income taxes. Overall, the North Carolina Deferred Compensation Agreement — Long Form serves as a comprehensive legal document that defines the terms and conditions for employees to participate in a deferred compensation plan and save for retirement. With various options available, employees can choose the plan that best fits their financial goals and tax strategies.