IRA Rollover Rules

The Secure 2.0 Act of 2024 modified the rules regarding early distributions from retirement accounts. While some of these adjustments take effect immediately, others are scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2025.

Why roll over?

Rollovers are an efficient way to move your retirement savings out of a company’s 401(k) plan and into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), giving you more control over investing decisions. Many people take this route when they change jobs or near retirement age.

IRAs offer a range of investment opportunities, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs. You can invest these funds independently or work with a wealth professional to guide you through your portfolio.

In 2024, the IRS is raising contribution limits for IRAs and 401(k) plans, giving more taxpayers a chance to save for their futures. The increase applies to both traditional and Roth IRAs.

In 2024, workers can contribute an additional $6,000 to their IRAs – up from the current limit of $5,500. However, this amount will diminish once they reach a certain income level.

Many people prioritize tax-advantaged investing when they roll over their IRAs. Money in a tax-deferred account can grow tax-deferred until you withdraw it during retirement, helping reduce your overall tax bill.

To make rolling over your 401(k) or 403(b) more straightforward, you can opt for a direct rollover, which enables your 401(k) administrator to transfer the balance directly into an IRA account. Alternatively, if they do not offer this option, you may set up an indirect rollover by having them send a check payable to your IRA account.

When should I roll over?

IRAs are investment accounts that allow investors to save for retirement with tax-deferred growth. These funds may be invested in various assets such as CDs, bonds, mutual funds, and stocks. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has strict guidelines and mandates regarding IRA investing, which must be adhered to avoid penalties or taxes.

Most IRAs are managed by a custodian, such as a bank or a brokerage firm, which invests your funds in assets that you find most appealing. These may include low-cost mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, individual stocks, bonds, or some combination thereof.

A reliable IRA custodian will make rolling over funds effortless and provide the services that matter most to you. Do your due diligence before signing up to ensure you’re selecting the right one.

When researching retirement accounts, consider the size of the IRA, your income level, and any existing retirement accounts that are part of the mix. Consulting with a financial advisor is also recommended to ensure you’re doing everything possible to maximize your wealth in retirement.

IRA rollovers can be a great way to grow your retirement funds, but you must do your due diligence and consult a financial expert before moving. When comparing IRAs with other investment options, such as employer-sponsored 401(k) plans, consider the advantages and drawbacks of each. Ultimately, pick the option that is most advantageous for you.

Will taxes be withheld from my distribution?

When rolling over an IRA, your new custodian will withhold taxes from any distributions made from your old account. These funds will then be sent to the IRS, and you’ll receive a 1099-R tax form confirming this transfer.

Generally, you may only rollover funds from a traditional IRA, SIMPLE IRA, or SEP IRA once every twelve months. However, the exception to this rule applies when converting from a tax-deferred IRA account into a Roth account (conversion). Hence, there is no one-rollover-per-year restriction.

Distributions are not rolled over to another IRA and require payment of federal income tax at a flat rate of 10%. You may waive this or request that the IRA trustee withholds an additional amount on Form W-4R to cover any owed taxes.

Additionally, state income tax may be withheld from your distributions depending on your state’s requirements. It is wise to consult a tax professional or financial advisor for further insight into these withholding obligations in your jurisdiction.

You may request the IRS withhold federal income tax from non-eligible rollover distributions, such as those from a 401(k) plan. These non-eligible distributions can be treated like regular withdrawals; however, you have 60 days to deposit the funds into an IRA account when you receive them.

You can have the IRS withhold federal, state, and local income taxes from any distributions from an employer-sponsored retirement plan. These withholdings can be applied toward your current year’s taxes or used as a credit toward future years’ taxes.

IRA rollover chart

IRA rollovers are an invaluable way to gain control over your retirement savings and cut expenses. They allow for consolidation and management of all assets in one location and access investment options not offered through employer-sponsored plans.

A 401(k) plan typically limits your investment choices to a preselected group of mutual funds. At the same time, an IRA offers a much more comprehensive selection and even physical metals like silver or gold. This helps maximize the value of your retirement savings and even helps avoid high fees that apply to many retirement accounts.

If you want to maximize the use of your IRA, it’s essential to understand the rules and regulations associated with the process. These could include when and how to complete a rollover, how to report its distribution on your tax return, and whether taxes will be withheld from your distribution.

There are various types of IRA rollovers, each with regulations and limitations. For instance, transferring your employer-sponsored 401(k) account directly into another IRA account is referred to as a direct rollover.

You may transfer your 401(k) balance into a traditional IRA or Roth IRA, the two most popular types.

If you’re planning a rollover, ensure the distribution is made directly from your old retirement plan’s trustee to the trustee of your new IRA. Doing this will prevent income taxes from applying to any taxable portion of your distribution.

Rules and limits of IRA rollovers

Retirement savers often face a significant decision when they transfer funds from one tax-deferred account into another. But there are specific rules to remember when making such an exchange.

Funds from traditional IRA, SIMPLE, or SEP IRA may only be transferred once every 12 months. This rule does not apply to Roth IRA rollovers or employer-sponsored retirement plans.

Each year, the IRS changes IRA contribution limits. Self-employed individuals have more leeway to contribute than full-time workers since business contributions can be deducted as taxable income on your tax return. Be sure to review these limits for 2024 to maximize your contributions.

If you’re self-employed, a SEP IRA could be worth considering. This type of IRA allows employers to make more significant employee contributions than traditional IRAs and can be used for emergency fund savings or other needs.

SEP IRAs, like traditional IRAs, can be funded with pre-tax funds from the workplace or a combination of both tax-deferred and Roth contributions. It’s important to remember, though, that if you roll over pre-tax money into a Roth account, you will owe income tax on the total rollover amount.

From 2024, the required minimum distribution age for IRAs and qualified employer-sponsored retirement plans will increase from 70 to 12 to 72. This change could provide much-needed relief to those saving for retirement and small business owners.

When can I access my IRA account?

An IRA is a type of personal savings account that offers tax benefits for people seeking to save for retirement. They’re commonly available from banks, investment firms, insurance companies, and other financial institutions.

IRAs provide investors various investment opportunities, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, and other assets. Most importantly, these investments are tax-deferred; that means dividends and interest income earned within an IRA do not count towards the owner’s taxable income.

Traditional IRAs are the most common type, though Roth and SEP IRAs exist. All three must adhere to IRS regulations and mandates.

In 2024, the annual limit for traditional IRA contributions is $6,500. However, this amount may decrease with increasing income levels as income limits begin to phase out at higher earnings levels.

The government sets contribution limits for Roth and SEP IRAs annually and adjusts according to inflation rates.

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are withdrawals that owners of traditional IRA and 401(k) accounts must take each year they reach a certain age. Although the period has been adjusted several times, the penalty for not taking an RMD remains 25% of the account’s total value.

IRAs are often an integral part of financial planning for many Americans. They offer several tax benefits, such as contributions, earnings deductions, and tax-free distributions after retirement. But it’s essential to comprehend all its rules and nuances – just like any other retirement plan!