Whether you are looking to invest your retirement funds in real estate or to finance your own business, If you are still working for the company that sponsors the full-time employer 401k plan, you may not be able to transfer that 401k unless one of the following triggering events are met:
- Reaching retirement age. This is usually defined by the plan, and typically ranges from age 55 to 65; however, the actual retirement age may vary among plans. As such, the plan must be consulted to determine its particular requirements and definitions.
- Termination of employment
- Disability
- Termination of the plan
- Death, in which case the distribution would be taken by the beneficiary
However, some current employers may allow for partial or full-transfers from 401k and profit sharing plans even if one of the aforementioned triggering events have not been satisfied. These are referred to as in-service withdrawals. Key factors should be considered when making in-service withdrawals. These include the following:
- In-service withdrawals are not permitted from pension plans, such as money purchase and defined benefit pension plans.
- In-service withdrawals that are due to hardship cannot be rolled over to an IRA or any other retirement plan such as a solo 401k plan or a ROBS 401k.
- In-service withdrawals of salary deferral amounts are usually permitted only under hardship circumstances, whereas in-service withdrawals of employer contributions need not be limited to hardship.
- Withdrawals cannot be more than the participant’s vested account balance, and for participants who have participated in the plan for less than five years, their in-service withdrawal amounts can be further limited to amounts that have been in the plan for two-years or less.
Get a copy of the Current Employer SPD
One way of determining if your current employer will allow you access your retirement funds while still working for them, is to check the summary plan description (SPD) for the existing plan. The SPD is required to be written in a language or format that is easily understood by participants. Larger plans usually make the SPD available on the company’s benefits website. If the SPD is not available, the plan administrator or human resources department should be contacted for a copy of the most updated version.
Fidelity and Vanguard 401k transfer QUESTION:
ANSWER:
In order to open a solo 401k you mus be be performing self-employment activity. See the following: https://www.mysolo401k.net/am-i-self-employed/
The rules allow for the transfer of a former employer 401(k) to Solo 401k. However, because you are still working for the employer that offers the current 401k plan, they most likely won’t allow you to transfer those funds until you stop working for them or until you reach age 59 1/2. To learn more see above.
Stop Contributing to Current Day-Time Employer 401k QUESTION:
I participate in a current w2 employer 401k. Can I stop participating in the plan – though still employed – and roll into a solo401k?
ANSWER:
Most likely no if you are under age 59 1/2 and still work for current W-2 employer. You will ultimately need to check with them since it is their plan. If they say yes, then yes the funds can be transferred to the solo 401k plan.
Self-Directed 401k from Existing Employer 401k QUESTION:
I’m interested in learning more about your Self Directed 401k. I am a Union Member in the entertainment industry and receive my 401k through the union with my employer contributing a small portion. I am considered a freelance daily hire and I’ve heard that “Daily Hires” are able to roll over our 401k into an IRA or a solo 401k plan while still being employed by the same company. I also perform part-time self-employment activity on the side. I’d like to find out if this is possible and if so would like to further discuss your services. I am an investor in Crypto Currencies and would like to incorporate digital assets into my retirement portfolio.
