Cash out vs. Roll into an IRA

Roll to an IRA

Cash out

Benefits

Your money can continue to grow tax-deferred.

You can consolidate multiple retirement accounts.

Benefits

You have cash in hand to take care of current needs.

Keep in mind

Roth 401(k) or 403(b) accounts will be rolled into a Roth IRA. Non-Roth accounts can be rolled into a traditional IRA or, if certain eligibility rules are met, into a Roth IRA. Rollovers to Roth IRAs from non-Roth accounts are taxable.

Make sure the rollover funds go directly from your old plan’s trustee to the rollover IRA’s trustee or custodian to avoid having income tax withheld on the taxable portion of your distribution.

Keep in mind

Money you spend now won’t be there for you later.

Your employer must withhold 20% of the taxable portion of your distribution for federal income taxes. You may owe more at tax time.

A 10% early withdrawal penalty may apply if you’re under age 59-1/2. If you’re 55 or older when you leave your job, withdrawals are penalty-free but still taxable. Other exceptions may apply.

Withdrawals from Roth accounts are tax- and penalty-free if the account was established at least five years before, and if you are at least 59-1/2 years of age, are disabled or have died.

You may owe state and local taxes on the taxable portion of your distribution.
Investments are not FDIC-insured, nor are they deposits of or guaranteed by a bank or any other entity, so they may lose value.
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