Does Your 401(k) Offer An “In Service” Distribution?

Media / Blog

Does Your 401(k) Offer An “In Service” Distribution?

Prev

The New Credit Card Problem: A College Education

May 11, 2012

For Generation X clients, the majority of their retirement savings are in the company 401(k). While you do have a multitude of options of what you can do with your 401(k) if you leave your employer, often people feel like they are stuck if they stay with the same employer for a long period of time. This is especially true with larger companies as most of those plans offer a limited number of investment choices and several target retirement funds. I'm amazed that many people I sit down have never heard of whether their company offers an in service withdrawal or an in service distribution which can give them greater investment control of their 401(k) assets. Since we have had two major market meltdowns over the past 12 years, 401(k)'s offer limited power to help you risk mitigate against a market crash. This is why you need ask your employer today, do we offer an in service distribution?

So, just how does this concept work?

  1. Some plans will offer this and some will not. It specifically comes down to what was written in your company summary plan description. It doesn't only work for 401(k) plans. It can work for 403(b) plans, 457 plans, and Thrift Saving Plans as well.
  2. You don't necessarily have to be the age of 59 ½. Many plans have much more liberal language about how much you can take out or rollover to an IRA when you reach 59 ½, but big companies like Turner offer the in service distribution for those under the age of 591/2 (www.turner.com). If you call me, I can tell you over 250 big companies that offer this provision.
  3. You must make sure that if you choose this election, you actually process the rollover to an IRA. This way you can avoid IRS taxation (and possibly penalties) on this money.
  4. Make sure the paperwork is accurate. Some places like Fidelity will process the check right over the phone while other companies and plans may ask for you to fill out paperwork. Make sure you fill it all our correctly so you don't make a mistake and cost yourself money.

Generally, when you decide to rollover money from a 401(k) plan to your own IRA while still working for your currently employer, here will be the contributions that will be available. Again, it will depend on your summary plan description.

  1. Your employer contributions including match and profit sharing
  2. Your personal after-tax contribution
  3. Your pre-tax contributions when you hit the age of 59 ½

By getting these assets in your hands you typically will have much greater control. This could allow you to buy investments that may be lower cost and may give you a wider range of investments to choose from including stocks, bonds, real estate, and much more. By possibly having more choices, this may allow you to build a much more diversified portfolio generally than you could in your 401(k) plan. Diversification does not ensure against a loss nor guarantee a profit. Last, IRA's will allow you to select other beneficiary designations beyond your spouse. This is much more difficult within 401(k) plans.

So, if this is so great then why doesn't everyone take advantage of doing an in service distribution?

  1. People don't understand it - If you are 50 years old, it can be scary that taking the money might cause you some big penalty or a huge tax bill. Make sure you go through the facts with a professional or your 401(k) company to understand the rules.
  2. Net Unrealized Appreciation - There are certain tax rules with company stock in a 401(k) plan that may cause you higher taxation than necessary if not distributed correctly. Be sure to consult with your financial advisor or CPA as this needs to be done correctly to get the special tax treatment.
  3. New Contributions - Based upon the in-service distribution you take, you could affect the amount you can put into the plan in the future. This is why is will be important to talk to your 401(k) vendor or your benefits department.
  4. Cost - While doing the right thing with your money can make it cheaper for you, doing the wrong thing could actually cost you more money like paying a steep commission to invest your money.

Nobody can be certain when the next market meltdown will be. With many Gen X'ers now between the ages of 35 and 46, you have to keep your eye on what will be the bulk of your retirement assets. Ask your benefits department whether or not your plan allows for an in-service distribution. This may allow you to take greater control of your financial future!

Visit to www.oxygenfinancial.net to request a free consultation with the leading financial experts for people in their 20's, 30's, and 40's in the country.

Written by:

Ted Jenkin, CFP®, AAMS®, AWMA®, CRPC®, CMFC®, CRPS®

Co-CEO and Founder of oXYGen Financial, Inc - The Leaders in Gen X & Y Financial Advice

Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through NFP Advisor Services, LLC (NFPAS), Member FINRA/SIPC. Oxygen Financial is not affiliated with NFPAS. NFPAS does not provide tax or legal advice. This site is published for residents of the United States only. Registered Representatives and Investment Advisor Representatives of NFP Advisor Services, LLC (NFPAS) may only conduct business with residents of the states and jurisdictions in which they are properly registered. Therefore, a response to a request for information may be delayed. Not all products and services referenced on this site are available in every state and through every representative or advisor listed. For additional information, please contact NFPAS Compliance Department at 512-697-6000. PLEASE NOTE: The information being provided is strictly as a courtesy. When you link to any of the web sites provided here, you are leaving this web site. NFP Advisor Services, LLC makes no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of information provided at these web sites. Nor is NFP Advisor Services, LLC liable for any direct or indirect technical or system issues or any consequences arising out of your access to or your use of third-party technologies, web sites, information and programs made available through this web site. When you access one of these web sites, you are leaving our web site and assume total responsibility and risk for your use of the web sites you are linking to.

Next

Four Legal Things to Do With Your Tax Refund

Sign Up

Sign up for our exclusive Sunday Paper with a weekly market commentary, insightful personal finance blogs, and life changing education guides.

Email sign up

Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. oXYGen Financial is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS. Kestra IS and Kestra AS do not provide tax or legal advice. https://Bit.ly/KF-Disclosures

This site is published for residents of the United States only. Registered Representatives of Kestra IS and Investment Advisor Representatives of Kestra AS may only conduct business with residents of the states and jurisdictions in which they are properly registered. Therefore, a response to a request for information may be delayed. Not all products and services referenced on this site are available in every state and through every representative or advisor listed. For additional information, please contact Kestra IS Compliance Department at 844-553-7872.

PLEASE NOTE: The information being provided is strictly as a courtesy. When you link to any of the web sites provided here, you are leaving this web site. Kestra IS and Kestra AS makes no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of information provided at these web sites. Nor is Kestra IS and Kestra AS liable for any direct or indirect technical or system issues or any consequences arising out of your access to or your use of third-party technologies, web sites, information and programs made available through this web site. When you access one of these web sites, you are leaving our web site and assume total responsibility and risk for your use of the web sites you are linking to.