Yes, the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is considered a qualified retirement plan. The TSP is a retirement savings and investment plan for federal employees, including members of the uniformed services. It is similar to a 401(k) plan offered by private employers. Qualified retirement plans are retirement plans that meet certain requirements set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to receive favorable tax treatment. These requirements include limits on contributions, rules for distributions, and other provisions. The TSP meets these requirements and offers tax advantages to participants. Contributions to the TSP are made on a pre-tax basis, meaning they are deducted from your salary before taxes are calculated. This reduces your taxable income and allows you to defer paying taxes on the contributions and any investment earnings until you withdraw the money in retirement. Withdrawals from the TSP are subject to ordinary income tax. It's important to note that while the TSP is a qualified retirement plan, it is specific to federal employees and uniformed service members. Private sector employees may have access to different types of qualified retirement plans, such as 401(k) plans. Sources: