The following explanation is for people who seek to transfer part or all of the funds from a 401k held at a current employer to a Self Directed IRA. If your 401k is from a former employer, the information in this report does not apply to you.
Transferring Funds from an Active 401k with a Current Employer to a Self Directed IRA.
Will the IRA Club accept funds transferred from a 401k account?
- Yes
Is there an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or Department of Labor (DOL) restriction against transferring a portion of an existing 401k account to an IRA account?
- NO
If I transfer from a 401k to an IRA, is it a taxable event?
- NO. This is called a trustee to trustee transfer. As such, there is no income tax imposed on the amount of the transfer.
How do I transfer from an active 401k with a current employer?
- Contact your 401k administrator.
- Tell them you want to:
- Transfer part of your 401k to a Qualified Retirement Plan (an IRA)
- Explain that you are not taking a distribution; you simply want to transfer part or all of the 401k funds to a qualified plan.
Expect some resistance; 401k trustees get paid based on the number of dollars they have under management. Hence, they seek to avoid letting go of money. You may have to ask more than one person and you may need to ask more than one time.
If you get resistance from your current 401k trustee here are a few other points you may want to make when you speak with them.
- Let them know if you are over age 59½.
- Let them know if any of the funds in the 401k are funds you transferred in from another job you had.
- Ask if they would transfer only the funds you contributed to your plan.
If your 401k trustee will allow a transfer – we suggest you start your new IRA before you begin the transfer. That will allow the transfer to move directly from the 401k to the new IRA account smoothly.
For information about the Self Directed IRA or Solo 401k, call IRA Club at 312-795-0988
IRA Club offers no investments, products, or planning services. Therefore, please consult your attorney, tax professional, financial planner, and any other qualified person before making any investments.
