The Contra Costa California Deferred Compensation Agreement — Long Form is a comprehensive legal document that outlines the terms and conditions of a deferred compensation plan for employees of Contra Costa County, California. This agreement is designed to provide participants with the opportunity to save and invest for their retirement while enjoying certain tax advantages. The main purpose of the Contra Costa California Deferred Compensation Agreement — Long Form is to enable employees to defer a portion of their salary or wages, which will be contributed to a retirement savings plan. By deferring compensation, participants can reduce their taxable income in the year of deferral, potentially resulting in significant tax savings. Within this long form agreement, multiple types or variations of deferred compensation plans may be offered. These include: 1. Defined Contribution Plan: This type of plan allows participants to contribute a portion of their salary into an individual retirement account. The contributions are invested in various investment options, such as mutual funds or stocks, chosen by the participant. 2. Matching Contribution Plan: Under this plan, the employer (Contra Costa County) may choose to match a portion of the participant's contributions, up to a certain percentage or dollar amount. This matching contribution can help accelerate retirement savings growth. 3. Elective Deferral Plan: This plan allows participants to make pre-tax contributions from their salary or wages into a retirement savings account. The deferred amount is not subject to federal income tax until it is withdrawn. 4. Roth Deferral Plan: Unlike traditional elective deferral plans, this type of plan allows participants to make contributions on an after-tax basis. Qualified distributions from a Roth account are then tax-free, providing potential tax-free income in retirement. 5. Vesting Schedule: A vesting schedule determines the participants' ownership of employer matching contributions and any related earnings. The agreement may outline the specific terms and conditions regarding vesting, such as a graded or cliff vesting schedule. The Contra Costa California Deferred Compensation Agreement — Long Form includes essential provisions such as eligibility requirements, contribution limits, investment options, withdrawal rules, and plan administration details. It ensures transparency and clarity for both the employer and the participating employees, protecting the rights and interests of all parties involved. It is important to consult with a legal or financial professional to fully understand the terms of the agreement and any potential impact on an individual's financial situation and retirement goals.