Whatever your situation, you’ll have to make a decision regarding your 401(k). There is a possibility that the account can be left untouched. Then you can move them—or roll them over—into another account. Know what your choices will cost and what benefits you’ll receive.
401(k) Portability
Many people change jobs over the course of their career. Fortunately, 401(k)s can be transferred. You typically can use your 401k rollover in several ways when you switch jobs before retirement:
- Leaving your old employer’s plan;
- If your new employer’s plan allows transfers, you can roll the money over;
- The money can be rolled over into an individual retirement account (IRA)
- Calculate your account’s cash value.
All three options will not result in losing your contributions, your employer’s contributions, or earnings in your old 401(k). You can withdraw your money once it has maintained its tax-deferred status. It is still possible for you to complete transactions and consider your options. Having a 401(k) at your disposal when you change jobs is a legal requirement. The decision must be made within 30 days.
Not Rolling Over
A simple option, but a costly one, is cashing out your account. To prepay the tax you’ll owe, your employer will withhold 20 percent of your account balance from your check. In addition, the IRS will consider your payout an early withdrawal on top of federal, state and local taxes, so you will owe the 10 percent early withdrawal penalty. Over half of your account value could be spent on that.
You might consider leaving your old employer’s plan if it has provided good returns and reasonable fees. If you want to move to a new 401(k) or IRA later on, you don’t have to give up your right to do so. You will not be allowed to further contribute to the 401(k), and you probably won’t be permitted to borrow money from the plan while your money remains there. A non-active employee may also have to pay higher fees.
If your 401(k) plan balance is over $1,000, your employer can cash out your account (minus 20 percent withholding) though if your plan balance is less than $1,000, your assets must automatically roll over into an IRA.
A New Job, a New Plan
You can simplify retirement planning by putting all of your retirement savings into one 401(k). By tracking your assets’ performance, you will have an easier time tracking their performance, for instance.
Prior to rolling over your assets you should evaluate the plan of your new employer. Be sure there are plenty of investment options in the new plan, including the ones you prefer. You should also check the accompanying fees to make sure they are not excessive. Consider your other options, such as a rollover into an IRA, if you are unhappy with your new employer’s 401(k).
Keep in mind, too, that even if you move your assets to your new company, you may need to wait until the next enrollment period, or sometimes until you have been employed for a full year, before you may be able to do so.
Making Your Move
For a straight rollover, you’ll have to: If your new employer’s 401(k) plan is the same as your former employer’s, you’ll need to:
- The new administrator of your 401(k) plan should arrange the rollover. Before you complete the rollover, you may need to determine what investments you wish to make. A lump sum can also be transferred and invested gradually, as required.
- Obtain the forms you need to move your money from the retiring plan of your former employer.
- Send a check to your new plan provider or request that your former administrator send your account value directly to him or her.
Investing Your Contributions
Your money in your retirement account is then available for investment in any of your custodian’s alternatives. The annual limit for IRA contributions set by Congress continues to apply if you continue to earn income. Under Annual Contribution Limits, you will find the annual caps. Contributions cannot, however, exceed your annual wages.
