If you transfer your funds to an IRA or a 401 (k) plan sponsored by your new employer, you must do so directly from one plan to another without having to manage the money to avoid possible taxes and fees. A reinvestment (either to a new 401 (k) or to an IRA) has no tax consequences. This wouldn't be the case if you make a transfer to a Roth IRA. The only time you'll have to deal with taxes is if you have a traditional IRA and want to transfer it to a Roth IRA.
If your 401 (k) plan administrator doesn't transfer the money directly to your new IRA, you must deposit it within 60 days to avoid the tax penalties associated with early withdrawals. Cumulative distributions are exempt from tax if you deposit the funds into another IRA within 60 days of the distribution date. Once you've decided to transfer your retirement savings to an IRA, it's best to avoid receiving a check issued directly to your name by the 401 (k) plan, even if it's sent to you. You must declare this type of reinvestment to the IRS for tax purposes, even if you are not required to pay taxes for this type of activity.
In that situation, if you transfer all your assets from your 401 (k) plan to an IRA, you lose the chance of receiving more favorable tax treatment for any growth that those shares experienced while they were in your 401 (k). For those who don't think they'll end up in another 401 (k) plan, but still want to save more for retirement, it might make sense to make a transfer from 401 (k) to IRA. Finally, when you open your new IRA, be sure to read the most common mistakes you should avoid, such as forgetting the minimum distributions required, not designating beneficiaries, and operating too frequently on the account. If you think you'll want to continue contributing to your new IRA once the reinvestment is complete, it's important to decide what type of IRA you want.
The money will then be deposited into your new account or you will receive a check that you must deposit into your IRA within 60 days to avoid early withdrawal penalties. This could be less than the ordinary tax treatment you would face if the shares were transferred to an accumulated IRA and then withdrawn. For starters, it's worth knowing that you don't have to make a 401 (k) transfer to an IRA, even if you quit your job. Whether you change jobs or transfer control of your assets to another financial advisor or institution, transferring your 401 (k) to an IRA can be incredibly useful.
Ask if they have any special reinvestment requirements and, assuming you've met them all, ask that a check for your assets be mailed to the company with which you opened an IRA. As for the notification of the transfer of 401K to an IRA, how to declare it to the IRS depends on the type of reinvestment. However, there will be tax consequences if you transfer money from a traditional 401 (k) to a Roth IRA.
