How Is This Strategy Tax Neutral
Although a tax-deferred rollover from a U.S.-based plan to an RRSP is available, the U.S.-source withholding tax and potential early withdrawal penalties mean that only a portion of the initial lump-sum withdrawal will be available for an RRSP contribution in the year of transfer.
Therefore, if the client would like to transfer the full pre-tax amount in the year of transfer, theyll need sufficient funds from other sources to top up the RRSP contribution.
If this isnt done, some taxation in the year of transfer would normally occur.
Further, while U.S. withholding taxes and potential early withdrawal penalties are eligible to be claimed as a foreign tax credit when filing the Canadian tax return, sufficient Canadian income tax liability from other income sources is required to use the foreign tax credit generated by the withdrawal. Neither the deduction room generated by the transfer nor the foreign tax credit generated by the related U.S. tax liability can be carried forward.
What options are there for clients who dont meet the requirements for a tax-neutral transfer? For starters, they can hold off on transfers until after age 59½ to avoid early withdrawal penalties. Spreading the transfer over more than one year or triggering sufficient taxable income in Canada in the year of transfer to make full use of foreign tax credits can also help make the transfer more tax-efficient.
When You Don’t Roll Over
Cashing out your account is a simple but costly option. You can ask your plan administrator for a checkbut your employer will withhold 20 percent of your account balance to prepay the tax youll owe. Plus, the IRS will consider your payout an early distribution, meaning you could owe the 10 percent early withdrawal penalty on top of combined federal, state and local taxes. That could total more than 50 percent of your account value.
Think TwiceThe repercussions of taking money out now could be enormous: If you took $10,000 out of your 401 instead of rolling it over into an account earning 8 percent tax-deferred earnings, your retirement fund could end up more than $100,000 short after 30 years.
If your former employers plan has provided strong returns with reasonable fees, you might consider leaving your account behind. You dont give up the right to move your account to your new 401 or an IRA at any time. While your money remains in your former employers 401 plan, you wont be able to make additional contributions to the account, and you may not be able to take a loan from the plan. In addition, some employers might charge higher fees if youre not an active employee.
Further, you might not qualify to stay in your old 401 account: Your employer has the option of cashing out your account if the balance is less than $1,000 though it must provide for the automatic rolling over of your assets out of the plan and into an IRA if your plan balance is more than$1,000.
Tax Consequences Of The One
Beginning in 2015, if you receive a distribution from an IRA of previously untaxed amounts:
- you must include the amounts in gross income if you made an IRA-to-IRA rollover in the preceding 12 months , and
- you may be subject to the 10% early withdrawal tax on the amounts you include in gross income.
Additionally, if you pay the distributed amounts into another IRA, the amounts may be:
- taxed at 6% per year as long as they remain in the IRA.
Recommended Reading: Should You Move Your 401k To An Ira
Tax Consequences Of A 401
As mentioned above, you generally wont have to pay any taxes on your 401-to-IRA rollover. The only time youll have to deal with taxes is if you have a traditional IRA and want to roll over to a Roth IRA.
One other tax consideration: You can choose to do a direct or indirect rollover. For a direct rollover, your old plan sends the money directly into your new IRA. In an indirect rollover, your old plan sends you a check with the cash and withholds 20% of your funds. These withheld funds are a taxable distribution unless you make up the difference out of pocket. Youll likely have to pay a 10% fine for the early withdrawal. This rule only applies if the check is sent directly to you, though. It doesnt matter if your old plan sends you a check to forward to your new IRA.
Leaving Your Job Here’s How To Take That 401 With You
If youre considering changing jobs or starting a business, make sure you dont throw away any retirement funds youve built up. Whether you have worked at the same place for decades or are making a career change in your twenties, you can roll an old employer-sponsored 401 into a different retirement account tax-free with a direct rollover. Heres how it works. A financial advisor can help you with rollovers or any other retirement planning questions.
What Is a Direct Rollover?
A direct rollover is an untaxed transfer of money from one retirement account to another. The money thats moved over is called a rollover contribution. Direct rollovers allow you to consolidate your retirement funds without incurring any penalties.
As a result, if you get a new job or retire, a direct rollover allows you to move the full value of the retirement plan provided by your employer to your own individual retirement plan or new 401. With a direct rollover, the money distributed never comes into your hands it goes from one account to the other. This way circumvents the 20% penalization from the IRS. Therefore, you can cash out your 401 and retain all your cash and assets for retirement.
Direct Rollover Examples
In another scenario, you might be retiring at age 65 with $500,000 in your employer-sponsored plan. Over the last several years, you have contributed to your own IRA in addition to the 401 from work contributions).
How Does a Direct Rollover Work?
The Bottom Line
Don’t Miss: How Old Do You Have To Be To Get 401k
Rolling A 401 Directly Into A Roth Ira
If you qualify, you can do an eligible rollover distribution from your old 401 directly to a Roth IRA. You’ll owe taxes on the amount of pretax assets you roll over.
Note also, if you have assets in a Designated Roth Account ) and would like to roll these to an IRA, the assets must be rolled into a Roth IRA.
As with Traditional IRA conversions to Roth IRAs, if you are required to take an RMD in the year you roll over into an IRA, you must take it before rolling over your assets.
Con: Limited Creditor Protection
If someone wins a lawsuit against you, the Federal Employment Retirement Income Security Act prevents such parties from accessing the funds in your 401 to settle their claims. However, IRAs do not enjoy the same level of protection as 401 accounts. A creditor may access your IRA funds up to a certain limit to settle their claims. Some IRAs may offer creditor protection up to a specific level, but these limits vary from state to state.
Don’t Miss: How Many Percent Should I Put In 401k
Need To Open A Roth Ira
My favorite online broker is Ally Invest but you can check out our recap on the best places to open a Roth IRA and the best online stock broker sign up bonuses. There are many good options out there, but I have had the best overall experience with Ally Invest. No matter which option you choose the most important thing with any investing is to get started.
When Not To Transfer To An Ira
You now know some of the benefits of moving your 401 to an IRA. But control over your money isnt the only thing that matters, and you may have other priorities. Its impossible to list every potential pitfall, but a few examples may offer food for thought.
Between age 55 and 59.5
When youre at least 55 years oldbut not yet 59 1/2 years oldyou might want to leave at least some of your money in the 401 plan. 401s allow you to pull money out without penalty after age 55 . IRAs, on the other hand, require that you wait until age 59 ½ to avoid an early-withdrawal penalty of 10% on certain distributions. There are always exceptions and workarounds, but those are the basic rules. If you intend to spend your 401 savings between the ages of 55 and 59 1/2, keep this in mind before making a transfer.
Note: Some public safety workers can avoid early withdrawal penalties from a retirement plan as early as age 50. If you worked for a federal, state, or local government, be sure to explore your options.
Depending on state laws, money in IRAs might be treated differently, and a 401 might offer more protection . Federal law often applies to ERISA-covered 401 plans, while state laws cover IRAs. However, there is some federal protection for IRAs in bankruptcy. When you owe federal tax debts or assets are due to an ex-spouse, protection is usually limited.
Roth Conversions
RMD While Working
Stable Value Offerings
Fees and Expenses
Recommended Reading: Can I Buy An Annuity With My 401k
Net Unrealized Appreciation And Company Stock In A 401
If you have company stock in a 401, it could save you significant money on taxes to transfer those shares into a taxable brokerage account to take advantage of net unrealized appreciation, or NUA. NUA is the difference between what you paid for company stock in a 401 and its value now.
For example, if you paid $20,000 for company stock and its now worth $100,000, the NUA is $80,000.
The benefit of the NUA approach is that it helps you avoid paying ordinary income tax on these distributions of your own companys stock from your retirement account. That can be up to 37 percent, which is now the highest tax bracket, says Landsberg.
Instead, youll enjoy capital gains tax treatment, which even at the highest tax bracket is only 20 percent, on any appreciation. High earners, however, will be subject to a bonus 3.8 percent net investment income tax. And an NUA may be subject to a 10 percent early withdrawal tax if you move funds prior to age 59 1/2.
Landsberg says NUA makes the most sense when the difference in tax rates is higher.
Net unrealized appreciation is a very powerful tool, if used correctly, Landsberg says. So you can get creative and potentially have a pretty nice windfall if you use the NUA rules correctly.
Roll Money Over To An Ira
A non-taxable direct rollover of your money to an IRA may provide greater investment options and control over your account. Instead of a limited line-up of mutual funds, you may have access to thousands of investment options, including mutual funds, ETFs , individual stocks and bonds, and alternative investments. Unlike an employer-provided retirement account, an IRA is solely under your control. You choose where to hold it and what to purchase. You also have the ability to hire a financial professional of your choosing, and enjoy the benefits of professional money management. As always, do your homework and understand the relationship, services, and fees associated with any investment program.
Recommended Reading: When Can I Take Out My 401k
Transferring Your 401 To Your Bank Account
You can also skip the IRA and just transfer your 401 savings to a bank account. For example, you might prefer to move funds directly to a checking or savings account with your bank or credit union. Thats typically an option when you stop working, but be aware that moving money to your checking or savings account may be considered a taxable distribution. As a result, you could owe income taxes, additional penalty taxes, and other complications could arise.
IRA first? If you need to spend all of the money soon, transferring from your 401 to a bank account could make sense. But theres another option: Move the funds to an IRA, and then transfer only what you need to your bank account. The transfer to an IRA is generally not a taxable event, and banks often offer IRAs, although the investment options may be limited. If you only need to spend a portion of your savings, you can leave the rest of your retirement money in the IRA, and you only pay taxes on the amount you distribute .
Again, moving funds directly to a checking or savings account typically means you pay 20% mandatory tax withholding. That might be more than you need or want. Most IRAs, even if theyre not at your bank, allow you to establish an electronic link and transfer funds to your bank easily.
You Expect To Pay Higher Taxes In The Future
Since Roth IRAs use after-tax dollars, youll have to pay taxes upfront on any funds you roll over. However, you wont have to pay taxes on your distributions, which could be extremely beneficial if youre taxed at a higher rate when you reach retirement. Youll pay taxes either way now or later. But with a Roth IRA, you can rest assured your withdrawals will be tax-free.
Also Check: How To Cash Out 401k While Still Employed
How A Roth Ira Conversion Can Leverage Currently Low Tax Rates
One of the potentially overlooked silver linings of the past years economic challenges is a favorable income tax environment created by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. If youre considering a Roth IRA conversion1 from your 401, youll be paying some of the lowest tax rates in history on those converted assets and doing it all at one time. However, if you went with a traditional IRA rollover, you may pay higher taxes in retirement on your RMDs.
If youve lost your job, or your income level drops, you can convert your 401 assets at your new, lower, tax bracket. Say, for example, you convert your 401 assets to a Roth IRA, you may be paying taxes at a reduced rate right off the bat, explains Markwell. And if taxes rise between now and your retirement target date, at which time youd otherwise take distributions, you will have further benefited tax-wise from that earlier conversion.
Keep in mind that establishing an IRA with efficient growth goals may call for more active management on your part, depending on your retirement goals. A financial professional can help tailor your investments to your individual strategy and also help you revisit and refine that plan as needed.
What Are The Advantages Of Leaving My 401 With My Ex
You might consider leaving your 401 with your ex-employer if you believe the plan is well run, its expenses are reasonable, and you don’t want the responsibility of managing the money yourself. However, make sure you don’t lose track of the account over the years and that the plan administrator always has your current address.
Note also that this doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing decision. You may be able to keep some of your balance in your old 401 and roll the rest into an IRA. After that, you can contribute to both your new company’s 401 and your IRA as long as you don’t go over the annual contribution limits.
You May Like: Can I Take Monthly Distributions From My 401k
Roll Over An Ira To A : The Pros And Cons
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list ofour partnersandhere’s how we make money.
The investing information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. NerdWallet does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular stocks or securities.
In the world of retirement account rollovers, theres one type that doesnt get much love: the IRA-to-401 maneuver, which allows you to roll pretax traditional IRA assets into a 401. Its frequently overshadowed by rollovers in the other direction 401 to a rollover IRA because theyre more common. But in some cases, this less common move is also worth considering.
Unsatisfactory 401 Investment Performance
A rollover may be a better idea in case your company 401 plan is not performing well. For instance, if the market rises by 40 percent over a few years, while your 401 rises by just half that amount over the same time interval, then a rollover is worth considering.
Although IRAs provide the opportunity to match market performance, there is no guarantee that you can actually perform better than the market.
One thing I did with my 401 was moved it to a robo-advisor . If funds are underperforming, it will auto-correct and rebalance for me.
Wealthfront also allows me to create the investment portfolio that works for me. Whether thats by editing one of its existing investment portfolios or creating my own from scratch with ETFs that I am passionate about be it healthcare, clean energy, or tech.
Don’t Miss: Can You Do A 401k On Your Own
The Option To Convert To A Roth
An IRA rollover opens up the possibility of switching to a Roth account. s, a Roth IRA is the preferred rollover option.) With Roth IRAs, you pay taxes on the money you contribute when you contribute it, but there is no tax due when you withdraw money, which is the opposite of a traditional IRA. Nor do you have to take required minimum distributions at age 72 or ever from a Roth IRA.
If you believe that you will be in a higher tax bracket or that tax rates will be generally higher when you start needing your IRA money, switching to a Rothand taking the tax hit nowmight be in your best interest.
The Build Back Better infrastructure billpassed by the House of Representatives and currently under consideration by the Senateincludes provisions that would eliminate or reduce the use of Roth conversions for wealthy taxpayers in two ways, starting January 2022: Employees with 401 plans that allow after-tax contributions of up to $58,000 would no longer be able to convert those to tax-free Roth accounts. Backdoor Roth contributions from traditional IRAs, as described below, would also be banned. Further limitations would go into effect in 2029 and 2032, including preventing contributions to IRAs for high-income taxpayers with aggregate retirement account balances over $10 million and banning Roth conversions for high-income taxpayers.
But this can be tricky, so if a serious amount of money is involved, it’s probably best to consult with a financial advisor to weigh your options.
