Contributions to benefit plans or DPS voluntary retirement plans will be considered PERA-includable salary, regardless of whether these are paid on a pre-tax or post-tax basis. That means that PERA will look at your total gross income (the amount you're paid before any benefit or tax deductions) when they calculate your contributions.

This is good news for your Highest Average Salary, but it ultimately means that more money is being taken for your PERA contributions. 

Definitions:
Pre-tax: this means that your benefit deductions come out of your salary before your income tax is calculated and deducted. This ultimately saves you some dollars on income taxes, but also lowers your Highest Average Salary with PERA. 
Post-tax: this means that your benefit deductions come out of your salary after your income tax is calculated. This means that you pay more in taxes, but PERA counts your full salary towards your Highest Average Salary. 
Highest Average Salary: this is the amount that PERA uses when they calculate your retirement payments. Visit CO PERA to learn more about your PERA benefits and how your Highest Average Salary is calculated. 

To further understand how your PERA contributions are calculated or for additional information or questions, please contact PERA at 303-832-9550 or 1-800-759-7372 Monday–Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m (Mountain time).