In the unfortunate event of a company’s bankruptcy, the future of employee retirement savings, such as 401(k) plans, becomes a pressing concern. Typically, 401(k) plans are protected from the company’s creditors and will not be affected by the bankruptcy. The assets invested in the 401(k) plan remain the property of the individual participants, and they … Read more
If you contribute more than the allowed limit to your 401(k), the excess amount will be subject to additional taxes and penalties. The excess contributions will be taxed at 6% per year, and you may also have to pay an additional 10% early withdrawal penalty if you take the money out before you reach age … Read more
As you reach the age of 72, known as the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) age, it becomes mandatory to start withdrawing funds from your 401(k) retirement account. This is to ensure that you gradually deplete your retirement savings and avoid penalties for excessively large account balances. Withdrawals must begin by April 1st of the year … Read more
401(k) contributions can lower your taxable income, reducing the amount of money you owe in taxes. When you contribute to a traditional 401(k), the money is deducted from your paycheck before taxes are calculated, which reduces your taxable income. This can result in a smaller tax bill. Additionally, any investment earnings within the 401(k) account … Read more
If you contribute more than the annual limit to your 401(k) plan, you may face excess contributions and potential tax penalties. Excess contributions are subject to a 6% excise tax each year they remain in your plan. The IRS will also require you to withdraw the excess funds, plus any earnings attributed to them, by … Read more
While still actively working, it is possible to roll over funds from a 401k retirement account to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). This process involves moving money from your employer-sponsored 401k plan to an IRA that you set up and manage individually. The main purpose of a rollover is to consolidate your retirement savings into … Read more
Rolling over your 401(k) to Vanguard is a straightforward process that can provide you with greater investment flexibility and potential tax savings. To initiate the rollover, contact Vanguard and request a rollover form. Once you have completed the form, you’ll need to provide it to your current 401(k) plan administrator. They will then transfer the … Read more
Before deciding whether to roll your 401(k) into an annuity, consider the following factors: * **Age and financial goals:** Annuities can guarantee a fixed income, which may be beneficial for retirees who need a predictable income source. However, if you’re younger and have a longer investment horizon, you may want to keep your 401(k) in … Read more
When filing your tax return, you may wonder if you can reduce your tax liability by claiming a deduction for your 401k contributions. While contributing to a 401k can significantly lower your taxable income, the ability to claim a direct deduction for these contributions depends on your specific tax situation. In general, if you have … Read more
A Hardship Withdrawal 401k is a way to take money out of your retirement account before you usually are allowed. Normally, if you take money out before age 59 ½, you pay an additional 10% tax penalty on the amount you withdraw. However, if you experience a severe financial hardship, you may be able to … Read more