Which retirement account is typically offered through an employer and allows employees to contribute money from their paycheck before or after taxes?

The 401(k) is a retirement account that is typically offered through an employer, allowing employees to set aside a portion of their paycheck for retirement savings. Contributions can be made on a pre-tax basis, which reduces the employee's taxable income for the year, or, in some plans, on an after-tax basis through Roth contributions. This flexibility in contribution options provides employees with the ability to choose the method that best suits their financial situation and tax strategy.

In contrast, the other types of accounts listed do not fit the criteria here. A 403(b) is a retirement account similar to a 401(k) but is specifically available for certain nonprofit organizations and educational institutions. An IRA (Individual Retirement Account) is an individual retirement account that one can set up independently, not through an employer. A 529 Plan, meanwhile, is designed specifically for education savings, helping families save for future educational expenses rather than retirement. These distinctions highlight why the 401(k) is the correct answer in this context.