Qualified Retirement Plan. tax-deferred plan established by an employer for employees under IRS rules. A qualified retirement plan usually includes provisions for employer contributions (money purchase pension plans) and may also allow employee contributions. Certain deductions and other tax benefits may apply to employer contributions to these plans. The plans build up savings, which are paid out at retirement or on termination of employment . Employees pay taxes only when they withdraw the money. Examples of qualified retirement plans include 401(k), 403(b), Money Purchase, Profit Sharing, Defined Benefit, and Keoghs.