401(k) Rollover Options
Wondering what to do with an old 401(k)? We can help.
If you’ve changed jobs or are preparing to retire, you may have account balances in one or more workplace retirement plans. To make a thoughtful decision about what to do, make sure you understand your options.
Stay in your plan
If your old plan allows, you may be able to leave your retirement assets right where they are without incurring current income taxes and possible additional taxes for early withdrawal.
Roll over to a new employer plan
If your new employer's plan accepts rollovers, you can move your money to that plan without incurring current income taxes and possible additional taxes for early withdrawal.
Roll over to an IRA
An IRA may provide more flexibility and a wider range of investment options in addition to preventing current income taxes and possible additional taxes for early withdrawal.
Please note that an IRA may be subject to an annual fee, and a fee may be assessed if the IRA is closed.
When deciding between an employer-sponsored plan and an IRA, there may be important differences to consider—such as range of investment options, fees and expenses, availability of services, and distribution rules (including differences in applicable taxes and penalties).
Depending on your plan's investment options, in some cases, the investment management fees associated with your plan's investment options may be lower than similar investment options offered outside the plan.
Cash out
Get immediate access to your retirement savings. The taxable portion of the distribution is generally subject to a mandatory 20% federal income tax withholding (you may owe more or less when you file your taxes), and additional taxes for early withdrawal may apply. State income tax may be withheld from your distribution under the applicable state law if your address of record is in a state that defaults to withholding.
Select a topic or scroll to view all
| Plan Features | Stay in Plan | Roll Over to IRA | Roll Over to New Employer's Plan | Cash Out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Convenience |
STAY IN PLAN A minimum balance requirement of $5,000 might be required. You can maintain your current investments, and you don’t need to take further action. |
ROLL OVER TO IRA Enables you to manage your retirement assets in one location.
|
ROLL OVER TO NEW EMPLOYER'S PLAN May involve a waiting period. You may be able to consolidate your retirement savings in your new plan. |
CASH OUT Provides immediate access to your retirement plan assets. |
Tax Advantages and Disadvantages |
STAY IN PLAN Keeps your assets tax-deferred (not taxable until you access your savings).* |
ROLL OVER TO IRA Assets are tax-deferred (meaning not taxable until you access your savings).* |
ROLL OVER TO NEW EMPLOYER'S PLAN Assets are tax-deferred (meaning not taxable until you access your savings).* |
CASH OUT Removes potential for continued tax-deferred or tax-free growth of your assets. Mandatory 20% withholding on distribution and state withholding, depending on the state, may apply. May be subject to 10% additional tax for early withdrawal if you are under the age of 59½ (some exceptions apply, please contact a tax professional). |
Access to Money |
STAY IN PLAN If your plan offers loans, they are typically only available for active employees. Generally allows for penalty-free withdrawals if you retire the year you turn 55 or older. Otherwise, penalty-free withdrawals are available after age 59½. Waive early IRS distribution penalties if certain requirements are met, regardless of age. Some examples include unreimbursed medical expenses, disability, and qualified military reservists called to active duty. |
ROLL OVER TO IRA No loan provisions. Withdrawals available without penalty after age 59½. Waive early IRS distribution penalties if certain requirements are met, regardless of age. Some examples include unreimbursed medical expenses, disability, higher education expenses, first-time home purchase, and qualified military reservists called to active duty. Must begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) in the year which you turn 70½ (if you reached 70½ on or before 12/31/19) or 72 (if you haven’t reached 70½ on or before 12/31/19).(RMDs are not required for Roth IRAs if you are the original owner). |
ROLL OVER TO NEW EMPLOYER'S PLAN Loans may be available. Generally allows for penalty-free withdrawals if you retire the year you turn 55 or older. Otherwise, penalty-free withdrawals are available after age 59½. Possible to delay taking RMDs if you are still working. Waive early IRS distribution penalties if certain requirements are met, regardless of age. Some examples include unreimbursed medical expenses, disability, and qualified military reservists called to active duty. |
CASH OUT Allows immediate access to your retirement plan assets. |
Investment Choices |
STAY IN PLAN Limited investment options. Offers familiar investment options. May provide access to company stock or other investment options not available outside of the plan. |
ROLL OVER TO IRA Access wider range of investment options. Consult a tax professional to determine the appropriate strategy if plan investments include company stock. |
ROLL OVER TO NEW EMPLOYER'S PLAN Investment choices limited to those in the plan. May provide access to company stock or other investment options not available outside in the plan. |
CASH OUT N/A |
Future Contributions |
STAY IN PLAN Future contributions not permitted. |
ROLL OVER TO IRA Future contributions allowed. |
ROLL OVER TO NEW EMPLOYER'S PLAN Future contributions allowed. |
CASH OUT Future investing would require opening an IRA or taxable account. |
Expenses and Services |
STAY IN PLAN Compare the fees, expenses, and services associated with each option including staying in plan, rolling over to an IRA, or rolling over to your new employer's plan. |
ROLL OVER TO IRA Compare the fees, expenses, and services associated with each option including staying in plan, rolling over to an IRA, or rolling over to your new employer's plan. |
ROLL OVER TO NEW EMPLOYER'S PLAN Compare the fees, expenses, and services associated with each option including staying in plan, rolling over to an IRA, or rolling over to your new employer's plan. |
CASH OUT May be subject to taxes and penalties. |
Asset Protection |
STAY IN PLAN Plan assets are generally protected from judgment creditors. |
ROLL OVER TO IRA State laws, which vary, may provide protection (sometimes up to a limit) for IRA assets. |
ROLL OVER TO NEW EMPLOYER'S PLAN Plan assets are generally protected from judgment creditors. |
CASH OUT N/A |
Ready to Roll Over Your 401(k)? Call Us at 1-800-267-1395
We make it easy by working directly with your current provider to handle all of the paperwork.