Do I Have to Pay Taxes If I Transfer My 401k to an IRA?

Transferring a 401(k) to an individual retirement account (IRA) should be straightforward provided it follows IRS regulations. A direct rollover may provide the simplest path.

Direct Rollover: How Does it Work? If you choose a direct rollover, your check should be payable directly to the new IRA provider in your name as “for your benefit”, thus avoiding mandatory 20% withholding and penalties.

What is a 401(k) plan?

A 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan that allows employees to contribute a percentage of their paycheck tax-free, with some employers even matching employee contributions.

After leaving their job, employees often have the option of rolling over their 401(k) into an IRA or another retirement account for more investment options and lower fees or both.

Bankrate suggests the best way to roll over is with a direct transfer from your existing 401(k) plan to your new retirement provider, with their administrator writing out a check with “for your benefit” written on it.

People who prefer taking an active role in managing their retirement savings may prefer keeping it within a traditional company’s 401(k) plan rather than moving it to an IRA, while those needing help investing or preferring professional guidance may find an IRA more suited to them.

What is an IRA?

Individual Retirement Arrangements, or IRAs, are tax-advantaged investment accounts available to anyone with earned income. Money invested into an IRA may be invested in various financial products like stocks, bonds, exchange-traded funds or mutual funds; individuals may choose either to oversee and rearrange their IRA investments themselves or use an affordable service such as a robo-advisor to manage them on their behalf. It’s important to remember that IRAs are intended for retirement use – any withdrawal prior to age 59 1/2 will generally incur taxes and penalties; special exceptions may exist based on other criteria.

IRAs come in various styles to suit the unique needs of different people. To ensure you select an account type that’s right for you, it’s advisable to consult an experienced financial advisor and review all of your options together. Traditional and Roth IRAs are two common account types; both offer unique rules, restrictions, and contribution limits that you should keep in mind when selecting one of these accounts.

How do I transfer my 401(k) to an IRA?

When leaving an employer, your options for your retirement savings include leaving it with them (and possibly being subject to tax penalties), cashing it out or rolling over into an IRA. Rolling your 401(k) over into an IRA allows for the most control of your money.

Ideal Direct Transfer Rollover

If a direct rollover isn’t feasible, your 401(k) administrator will issue you a check for the amount in your account. Once in an IRA account, you have 60 days to deposit this money before it becomes subject to income taxes. Once inside an IRA you have the freedom of choosing whether it should be traditional, Roth, SEP or SIMPLE; plus how to allocate its assets between each investment category.

What are the tax implications of transferring my 401(k) to an IRA?

People often switch their 401(k) account over to an IRA when leaving an employer’s plan due to its potentially higher fees and limited investment options.

If your retirement account distribution qualifies as eligible for rollover, you have 60 days to deposit it into an IRA. Usually your financial institution will send a check made out directly to your IRA custodian; direct rollover must also take place.

If you fail to deposit a distribution into an IRA within 60 days, the IRS will assess you at your ordinary income rate and tax that amount accordingly. However, if you’re an ex-spouse receiving an eligible rollover after divorce and following a Qualified Domestic Relations Order you can avoid this penalty altogether.