Here are 4 options for a 401(k) with a former employer.
Fidelity Viewpoints
Key takeaways
- 4 options for an old 401(k): Keep it with your old employer's plan, roll over the money into an IRA, roll over into a new employer's plan, or cash out.
- Make an informed decision: Find out your 401(k) rules, compare fees and expenses, and consider any potential tax impact.
Changing or leaving a job can be an emotional time. You're probably excited about a new opportunity—and nervous too. And if you're retiring, the same can be said. As you say goodbye to your workplace, don’t forget about your 401(k) or 403(b) with that employer. You have several options and it’s an important decision.
Because your 401(k) may be a big chunk of your retirement savings, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of your options and find the one that makes sense for you.
Here are 4 choices to consider.
1. Keep your 401(k) in your former employer's plan
Most companies—but not all—allow you to keep your retirement savings in their plans after you leave.
Some benefits:
- Your money has the chance to continue to grow tax-deferred.
- You can take penalty-free withdrawals if you left your former job at age 55 or older.
- Many offer institutionally priced (i.e., lower-cost) or unique investment options.
- Federal law provides broad protection against creditors.
But:
- If you have less than $5,000 in the plan (or $7,000 starting in 2024), the money may be automatically sent to you, if less than $1,000 (or sent to an IRA for you).
- If you choose to keep the money in your former employer's plan, you won't be able to add any more money to the account, or, in most cases, take a 401(k) loan.
- Withdrawal options may be limited. For instance, you may not be able to take a partial withdrawal; you may have to take the entire balance.
- After you reach age 73,you'll have to take annual required minimum distributions (RMDs).For those born 1960 or later, RMDs will start at age 75.
If you hold appreciated company stock in your workplace savings account, consider the potential impact of net unrealized appreciation (NUA) before choosing between staying in the plan, taking the stock in kind, or rolling over the stock to an IRA. Rolling over the stock to an IRA will eliminate any NUA.
2. Roll over the money into an IRA
A Rollover IRA is a retirement account that allows you to move money from your former employer-sponsored retirement plan into an IRA.
You can open the IRA with a financial institution. Make sure to research fees and expenses when choosing an IRA provider, though, as they can really vary.
Some benefits:
- Your money has the chance to continue to grow tax-deferred.
- If you're under age 59½, you can withdraw money penalty-free for a qualifying first-time home purchase or higher education expenses.1
- You may be able to get a broader range of investment choices than is available in an employer's plan.
- Rolling over assets can be done by source type. This means you can roll over Roth assets independently to a Roth IRA.
But:
- After you reach age 73, unless you were born in or after 1960, you’ll have to take annual required minimum distributions (RMDs) from a traditional IRAevery year, even if you're still working.
- Federal law offers more protection for money in 401(k) plans than in IRAs. However, some states offer certain creditor protection for IRAs too.
3. Roll over your 401(k) into a new employer's plan
Not all employers will accept a rollover from a previous employer’s plan, so check with your new employer before making any decisions.
Some benefits:
- Your money has the chance to continue to grow tax-deferred.
- Having only one 401(k) can make it easier to manage your retirement savings.
- Many plans offer lower-cost (institutionally priced) plan-specific investment options.
- Federal law provides broad protection against creditors. You may be allowed to defer RMDs even if you're still working after age 73.2
- You can take penalty-free withdrawals if you leave your job with the new employer at age 55 or older.
But:
- Make sure to understand your new plan rules.
- Consider the range of investment options available in the new plan.
4. Cash out
Taking the money out of retirement accounts altogether should be avoided unless the immediate need for cash is critical and you have no other options. The consequences vary depending on your age and tax situation. If you withdraw from your 401(k) before age 59½, the money will generally be subject to both ordinary income taxes and a potential 10% early withdrawal penalty. (An early withdrawal penalty doesn't apply if you stopped working for your former employer in or after the year you reached age 55, but are not yet age 59½. This exception doesn’t apply to assets rolled over to an IRA or to 401(k)s other than the one belonging to your most recent prior employer.)
A $50,000 cash out before age 59½ could cost $20,500 in penalties and taxes
If you are under age 59½ and absolutely must access the money, you may want to consider withdrawing only what you need until you can find other sources of cash. Obviously that's only possible if your former employer allows partial withdrawals—or if you roll the account into an IRA and subsequently take a withdrawal.
How the rollover is done is important too
Whether you pick an IRA for your rollover or choose to go with your new employer's plan, consider a direct rollover—that’s when one financial institution sends a check directly to the other financial institution. The check would be made out to the new financial institution with instructions to roll the money into your IRA or 401(k).
The alternative, having a check made payable to you, is not a good option in this case. If the check is made payable directly to you, your plan administrator is required by the IRS to withhold 20% for taxes. As if that wouldn't be bad enough—you only have 60 days from the time of a withdrawal to put the money back into a tax-advantaged account like a 401(k) or IRA. That means if you want the full value of your former account to stay in the tax-advantaged confines of a retirement account, you'd have to come up with the 20% that was withheld and put it into your new account.
If you're not able to make up the 20%, not only will you lose the potential tax-free or tax-deferred growth on that money but you may also owe a 10% penalty if you're under age 59½ (or under age 55 if separating from service in that year or later) because the IRS would consider the tax withholding an early withdrawal from your account. So, to make a long story short, do pay attention to the details when rolling over your 401(k).
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Make the best decision for you
When it comes to deciding what to do with an old 401(k), certain factors may be unique to your situation. That means the best choice will be different for everyone.
- If you decide to roll your funds into another retirement account, make sure the investment mix is aligned to your risk tolerance and time horizon.
- If you opt for an IRA specifically, your rollover money will sit in cash. This means you'll need to take an additional step in order to get invested.
- Remember that the rules among retirement plans vary, so it's important to find out the rules your former employer has as well as the rules at your new employer.
- Compare the fees and expenses associated with the accounts you're considering.
If you find it confusing or overwhelming, speak with a financial professional to help with the decision.
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As a financial expert with a deep understanding of retirement planning and investment strategies, I can provide valuable insights into the key concepts discussed in the article on managing a 401(k) with a former employer. My expertise in this area is demonstrated by my knowledge of the various options available and the potential implications of each decision.
Key Concepts:
-
Options for Managing an Old 401(k): The article outlines four main options for dealing with a 401(k) from a former employer:
- Keep it with your old employer's plan: Pros include tax-deferred growth, penalty-free withdrawals at 55 or older, and institutional pricing. However, there are limitations, such as potential automatic distributions for smaller balances and restrictions on contributions.
- Roll over the money into an IRA: This allows continued tax-deferred growth, potential penalty-free withdrawals for specific purposes, and a broader range of investment choices. However, it comes with the requirement for annual required minimum distributions (RMDs) after age 73.
- Roll over into a new employer's plan: Offers continued tax-deferred growth, potential deferral of RMDs if still working after age 73, and the possibility of penalty-free withdrawals at 55 or older. However, acceptance by the new employer and understanding the new plan's rules are crucial considerations.
- Cash out: Generally discouraged due to potential taxes and penalties, unless there's a critical need for immediate cash.
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Considerations for Decision Making:
- Tax Implications: The article emphasizes the importance of understanding potential tax impacts for each option, such as ordinary income taxes and early withdrawal penalties.
- Fees and Expenses: Advises comparing fees and expenses associated with each choice to make an informed decision.
- Age-Related Considerations: Highlights age-related factors, such as RMDs starting at age 73 (or 75 for those born in 1960 or later) and penalty exceptions for withdrawals at 55 or older.
- Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA): Draws attention to the impact of NUA for those holding appreciated company stock, providing insight into the potential consequences of different choices.
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Rollover Process:
- Direct Rollover: Recommends a direct rollover, where one financial institution sends the money directly to another institution to avoid tax withholding. Emphasizes the importance of avoiding checks made payable to the account holder to prevent potential tax consequences.
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Cautions on Cashing Out:
- Strongly advises against cashing out due to potential taxes, penalties, and the negative impact on long-term retirement savings.
- Provides a specific example ($50,000 cash out) illustrating potential costs, including federal and state income taxes and early withdrawal penalties.
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Additional Guidance:
- Encourages individuals to make decisions based on their unique situations, considering factors like risk tolerance and time horizon.
- Suggests consulting with a financial professional for assistance in navigating the decision-making process.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive guide to individuals facing decisions regarding their old 401(k) plans, covering legal, financial, and practical aspects to help them make informed choices aligned with their unique circ*mstances.