Meaning of ‘Written 403(b) Plan’

Q. What does the IRS mean by “written 403(b) plan”?

A. The IRS 403(b) Examination Guidelines state that a written 403(b) plan can consist of multiple documents, including documents that are incorporated by reference. All of these written materials collectively may serve as the written 403(b) plan, provided that all material terms and optional features are captured within these materials.

Further, a written 403(b) plan must include required elements as well as any optional feature the plan offers.