IRA Transfer vs. Rollover: What's the Difference? (2024)

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Understanding the difference between a transfer vs rollover is crucial to effectively manage your retirement savings. These strategies differ in their handling of funds, reporting requirements, and tax implications. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of these differences and consulting with a financial advisor can empower you to make well-informed decisions with your retirement savings.

What's the Difference Between an IRA Transfer and Rollover?

What is a Transfer?

What is a Rollover?
- Direct Rollover
- Indirect Rollover

What about Contributions?
Rollover Rules to Keep in Mind
What About Contributions?
Transfers vs. Rollovers FAQs
Fund your SDIRA at Entrust

What's the Difference Between an IRA Transfer and Rollover?

The difference between a transfer and a rollover is that IRA transfers are used to move funds between the same account type, while rollovers are used to move funds from one type of account to another.

For instance, if you want to move funds from your traditional IRA to a traditional IRA at another institution like Entrust, you would initiate a transfer. If you’d like to move the funds in a former employer’s 401(k) plan to a traditional IRA, you would initiate a rollover with your previous employer.

What is a Transfer?

Simply put, a transfer moves an existing retirement account to a new financial institution. The account type does not change. This is sometimes referred to as a trustee-to-trustee transfer.

For example, you can easily transfer your assets in a Roth IRA from one institution to a Roth IRA held at another. As far as the funds are concerned, the only fact that’s changed is the financial institution.

When using a transfer, the funds in the IRA are never made payable or distributed to the account holder - they travel directly from one institution to another. This means the assets are not taxable, and the transfer is not reported to the IRS.

The transfer rule applies to all types of retirement accounts, including SEP IRAs and SIMPLE IRAs. The account type must remain the same, barring one exception — a SIMPLE IRA may be transferred to a traditional IRA once two years have elapsed since the first contribution.

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What is a Rollover?

Another way to move funds into your SDIRA is a rollover. Rollovers are used to move funds from one type of account to another.

For instance, if you wanted to move funds from a 401(k) to a traditional IRA, you would initiate a rollover. There are two types of rollovers, and they each have distinct tax implications. However, all rollovers must be reported to the IRS.

Direct Rollover

A direct rollover is a simple way to move funds from an employer-sponsored plan such as a 401(k), 403(b), or governmental 457(b) to a new retirement plan or an IRA.

For example, if you decided to move your retirement savings from a previous employer's 403(b) to an IRA, you could initiate a direct rollover. Similar to a transfer, your funds move from institution to institution with a direct rollover.

Indirect Rollover

An indirect rollover, also known as a 60-day rollover, is the process of withdrawing funds from a retirement account, such as an IRA or 401(k), and depositing them into another retirement account within 60 days.

As the name implies, an indirect rollover requires more actions than a direct rollover. Here's a step-by-step guide to the process:

Rollover Rules to Keep in Mind

Before you initiate a rollover, there are a few other rules to keep in mind.

The IRS has a one-rollover-per-year rule when rolling over funds between two IRAs. This rule applies to traditional, Roth, SEP, and SIMPLE IRAs. As an example, if you take a 60-day distribution from your traditional IRA and rolled it over to a Roth IRA, you may not take another rollover distribution from any IRA within a 12-month period. This rule, however, does not apply to direct transfers or direct rollovers.
You cannot roll over a required minimum distribution (RMD) from your IRA.
Most employer plans require that you are no longer a current employee to remove funds from your retirement plan. If you are still working and would like to take a distribution from your employer’s 401(k) plans check with your employer to see if they allow in-service withdrawals. If so, and if there are no restrictions on the plan’s in-service provision, you may be able to complete a direct rollover.

60 days should be ample time to complete an indirect rollover. That said, this method certainly entails the most risk, particularly for investors with a tendency to procrastinate. Only choose this funding strategy if you are certain you are the type of investor who can complete the transaction in time.

If you’re methodical, number-driven, and comfortable in the driver’s seat like an Analyst Investor, then completing a 60-day rollover may be well within your wheelhouse. However, if you’re quite risk-averse like a Slow and Steady investor, then a 60-day rollover may not be for you.

These personality profiles make up two of the six types of investors. Being in touch with your investor archetype is one of the most potent tools you have in designing your investment strategy. It empowers you to tailor your portfolio to perfectly match your individual expertise, financial goals, and risk tolerance.

Ready to discover your investor personality type? Take our Investor Personality Quiz below.

What about Contributions?

Transfers and rollovers are the two most popular SDIRA funding methods, but they’re not the only strategies investors take advantage of. You can also grow your account by making yearly contributions.

Contributions can be made via check, wire transfer, or electronic funds transfer (EFT). Make sure to review the current contribution limits if you’re considering this method. The IRS updates the limits each year.

If you’re 50 years or older, check out the updated catch-up contribution limits. You may be able to devote an even larger percentage of your funds to tax-advantaged growth.

IRA Rollover vs Transfer FAQs

1. What is the difference between a transfer and a rollover?

A transfer is used to move funds from one institution to another without changing the account type. A direct rollover is used to move funds from an employer plan to another account type like an IRA, without having to pay taxes. An indirect rollover entails taking a short-term distribution to move funds from one account type to another. If the funds are not deposited within 60 days, the funds may lose their tax-advantaged status.

Each funding option has different tax implications if not done correctly, so be sure to consult with a financial advisor or tax professional.

2. When should I use a transfer versus a rollover?

Only you can answer that question. Your decision will depend on factors such as your current plan, the account you want to open, and your intended use of the funds.

If you have a traditional IRA and are satisfied with your current growth strategy, a transfer may be your best option. However, if you have funds in an old employer-sponsored retirement plan that you’d like to place in a self-directed IRA, a rollover could be exactly what you’re looking for.

Ultimately, the choice between a transfer and a rollover depends on your investing strategy and how quickly you need to fund your investment options. Consult with a trusted financial advisor to ensure you have the information you need to make a final determination.

Self-Directed IRAs: The Basics Guide Learn about your investment options, Self-Directed IRA rules, and much more! Download Now

3. What is a Roth conversion? Is that the same as a backdoor Roth?

A Roth conversion and a “backdoor” Roth are similar, but not quite the same.

A Roth conversion is a rollover of assets from a traditional IRA or a qualified retirement plan, such as a 401(k), into a Roth IRA. You will owe income tax on the amount converted in the year of the switch. If you’re under 59½, the early distribution penalty is waived. Future earnings distributions from the Roth IRA will be tax-free if certain conditions are met.

A "backdoor Roth IRA" is a conversion strategy that enables individuals with high incomes to contribute to a Roth IRA, bypassing IRS income limits. Essentially, it involves placing post-tax funds into a traditional IRA and subsequently converting those funds into a Roth IRA. This approach allows anyone to access the benefits of a Roth IRA, regardless of their income eligibility.

If you’re unsure if this strategy is right for you, contact a tax professional or advisor.

4. What is a rollover IRA? Is that a different kind of IRA?

A rollover IRA is not a special kind of IRA. Some firms use the term to refer to an IRA funded via a rollover from a previous employer. For instance, if you rolled over funds from a 401(k) or other retirement plan into an IRA, you would have a rollover IRA.

5. Is IRA to IRA a transfer?

As long as the process involves moving funds from the same type of IRA between institutions, then it is a transfer. For example, moving funds from one Roth IRA to another Roth IRA is a transfer. However, moving funds from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA would require a conversion.

6. Are there limits on IRA transfers?

There are no limits on the number of transfers you can conduct in a given year, nor is there a limit on the amount you can transfer.

7. How often can you complete a rollover?

You may only complete one rollover in a 12-month period.

The one-rollover-per-year rule applies to individuals, not to IRAs. For instance, if you have multiple IRAs, you may only roll over one account in a 12-month period.

This limit generally does not apply to transfers, Roth conversions, or direct rollovers. The funds are never made accessible to the account holder, so these are considered non-taxable events. However, if you’re interested in making more than one transfer, conversion, or direct rollover per year, consult with a tax advisor or financial professional to ensure your funds are in the clear.

8. How do I report a rollover?

There are two essential elements of an indirect rollover: distribution and contribution. The distribution occurs when the funds are initially withdrawn. The contribution occurs when the funds are rolled into the new account.

As the receiving institution, Entrust reports the rollover on IRS Form 5498. The distributing financial organization reports the distribution on IRS Form 1099-R.

You will report the distribution on line 4a of your IRS Form 1040. If you roll over the full amount, you should also write the word “rollover” on line 4b of Form 1040.

Fund Your Account at Entrust

And there you have it. Funding your SDIRA is as easy as transferring, rolling over, or making a contribution. If you want to learn more about different ways to fund your new self-directed account, download our Funding Guide.

If you’re interested in more in-depth information on transfers and rollovers, browse ouronline course catalog. Find individual lessons like Roth IRA Conversions and Transfers vs Rollovers, or sign up for a course bundle like IRA Fundamentals or IRA Academy.

These courses not only fortify your knowledge but can also accelerate your path to the Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP) exam. Plus, they are all taught by our experienced and industry-recognized instructor,John Paul Ruiz QKA CISP.

Don’t have an account yet? We make it easy to open an SDIRA in about 10 minutes, and the Entrust Client Portal makes managing your account a breeze.

As always, it’s a good idea to discuss any investments and changes to your retirement strategies with a qualified financial expert.

The article delves into the nuances of IRA transfers and rollovers, highlighting their differences in handling funds, tax implications, and reporting requirements. Let's break down the concepts covered:

IRA Transfer:
- Definition: Moving funds between the same account type (e.g., traditional IRA to another traditional IRA at a different institution).
- Process: A trustee-to-trustee transfer where assets move directly from one institution to another.
- Tax and Reporting: Non-taxable, not reported to the IRS.
- Applicability: Includes all retirement accounts like Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs, and SIMPLE IRAs.
Rollover:
- Definition: Shifting funds from one type of account to another (e.g., 401(k) to a traditional IRA).
- Types: Direct Rollover (institution-to-institution transfer) and Indirect Rollover (withdrawal, 60-day deposit window).
- Tax and Reporting: Different tax implications based on the type (direct/indirect) with reporting requirements to the IRS.
- Examples: Direct rollover from an employer-sponsored plan to an IRA; indirect rollover with distribution and subsequent deposit into a new account within 60 days.
Rollover Rules:
- One-Rollover-Per-Year Rule: Applies to certain IRA rollovers within a 12-month period.
- Restrictions: Limitations on rolling over required minimum distributions (RMDs) and rules related to employer plans for current employees.
Investor Profiles:
- Discusses various investor personality profiles, advising on choosing rollover methods based on individual risk tolerance and investment strategies.
Contributions:
- Highlights that transfers and rollovers aren't the only ways to fund an SDIRA; yearly contributions are also possible.
- Details methods (check, wire transfer, EFT) and yearly contribution limits set by the IRS.
FAQs and Further Concepts:
- Provides extensive FAQs covering differences between transfer and rollover, considerations for choosing one over the other, Roth conversions, rollover limits, reporting, and more.
Educational Resources:
- Offers resources such as quizzes, guides, and courses for deeper understanding and preparation for certifications related to IRAs.

The article emphasizes the significance of consulting a financial advisor to make informed decisions about retirement savings and investments, considering individual financial goals and circ*mstances.