How to roll over your 401(k) to IRA
This article takes a closer look at what you need to do to roll your 401(k) over to an IRA account and positively impact your retirement funds.
Summary
If you change jobs or want more flexibility when it comes to your retirement savings, you may choose to roll over to an IRA.
IRA rollovers can be direct or indirect; it’s important to stay within the rules for both, as you could incur penalties that could reduce your retirement income.
There are many benefits to rolling your 401(k) to an IRA.
A financial advisor can help you confidently plan for retirement and ensure you’re on track to meet your future goals.
Why roll over your 401(k) to an IRA?
When a 401(k) account isn’t delivering the right returns, many employees start to consider whether moving their contributions into a personalized IRA account could be a better option.
401(k) accounts often lack flexibility when choosing your investments. While you’ll likely be given a choice on which fund to invest in, this is usually from a pre-selected number of options – not one you have selected personally.
Alternatively, if you have changed jobs, you may decide that moving your 401(K) to an IRA is a better option than leaving it with your old employer or incurring the withdrawal penalties and taxes and cashing it out.
How much of your 401(k) funds can you roll over into an IRA?
When rolling your funds over, there can often be some confusion about how much you can move.
The first thing to know is that there is no annual limit to the amount of money you can transfer into a Roth IRA account. You can transfer the whole amount without limit when you roll your funds over.
However, it is important to note that the amount rolled over is taxable.
Money rolled into a Roth IRA account also needs to be held within the account for five or more years before it is withdrawn to avoid a penalty.
Finally, it is important to remember that there are annual limits to your contributions to a 401(k) or an IRA. So, while rolling your money over doesn’t count as a contribution, remember that you can only contribute an annual maximum of $6,500 on top of your rollover amount.
When should you roll over your 401(k)?
You have two options for rolling over your money.
The first is to create a direct rollover.
A direct rollover means that rather than the funds being paid to you to make the transfer, i.e., you withdraw the money and deposit it into your new account, your 401(k) provider directly transfers your funds into your new IRA account. You never touch or physically move the money.
Alternatively, your 401(k) funds can be paid to you. This is an indirect rollover.
With indirect rollovers, you have 60 days from receiving the cash or assets from your 401(k) to transfer into another fund – an IRA or a different 401(k) plan.
If you miss the 60-day deadline, the IRS may view this as an early withdrawal, and you will have to pay tax and a 10% early withdrawal penalty.
How to transfer 401(k) to an IRA
If you’re ready to roll your 401(k) over, here is a step-by-step guide on how exactly to do it.
1. Choose your rollover destination
The first step is figuring out where you want to roll your funds.
As mentioned above, you could do this manually or create an automatic transfer. In either case, you should know before you roll your money over where you will be moving it to.
When weighing up your options, pay close attention to any rollover fees and ongoing management fees that could erode your savings.
Speaking to a financial advisor could help you assess your options and decide what option can help you achieve your financial goals.
2. Contact your current and new provider
You will need to inform your current 401(k) provider that you intend to roll your funds over and may need to include some details and contact information about your new IRA provider.
Giving notice in advance will help you avoid early withdrawal charges.
Some providers may not let you do a direct rollover, so be prepared to do a manual or indirect transfer if you have to.
3. Contribute as normal
Within approximately 60 days, you should be set up with your new IRA and can continue contributing as normal.
Remember that your rollover didn’t count as a contribution, so you can continue contributing to your IRA up to its annual limit.
5 advantages of rolling your 401(k) over to an IRA
1. Investment flexibility
One of the major advantages of a 401(k) rollover is the greater level of flexibility that an IRA can give you. Whether you’re looking for a higher-growth option or want to invest in something else altogether, moving your 401(k) into an IRA puts you in control of your savings.
2. Fees
Many 401(k) accounts come with fees that can affect the value of your savings. Moving your funds into an IRA allows you to find a different account with fewer charges, helping you preserve the value of your account.
3. Consolidation
If you have worked for several different employers, you may have some outstanding 401(k) accounts attached to each role. Rather than risk forgetting about some of your accounts and missing out on your retirement funds, rolling your funds over can be a good opportunity to consolidate your 401(k) accounts into a single, more rewarding account.
4. Planning flexibility
IRA accounts often come with more flexible payout options. Many allow you to withdraw some funds penalty-free in certain circumstances, and should you opt for a Roth IRA, your money will already be tax-optimized, enabling you to plan your future more freely.
5. Estate planning
With an IRA, you can name multiple beneficiaries to your cash and assets. For this reason, an IRA can be more convenient when planning your estate.
Get expert retirement advice
There are many reasons to consider rolling a 401(k) over into an IRA.
From fewer charges to consolidating your outstanding money into a single account, rolling your money over into an IRA is just one way you can plan to reach your financial goals.
While there are advantages, rolling over your account isn’t for everyone. It could leave you with higher fees and reduced creditor protection.
A financial advisor can help you make the best choice based on your specific financial goals and circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
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Our team of writers, who have decades of experience writing about personal finance, including investing and retirement, are here to help you find out what you must know about life’s biggest financial decisions.