These days, layoffs are a fact of corporate life as companies try to grapple with economic cycles and global competition. One of the first choices laid-off workers face is what to do with their retirement plan assets. Many, confronted with the prospect of meager unemployment checks and a long job search ahead, opt to cash out of their employer-sponsored retirement plan accounts.
But cashing out may be expensive, involving a large tax bite and loss of tax-deferred compounding of any potential earnings on one's hard-earned retirement nest egg. Moreover, there may be better ways to make ends meet while unemployed than dipping into retirement savings.
If you get caught in a downsizing and you're not immediately moving to a new company, you generally have three options for your retirement plan assets: (1.) Leave your money in the existing plan; (2.) take a cash, or a "lump sum," distribution; or (3.) transfer the money to another retirement savings account, such as an individual retirement account (IRA). Consider the merits of each option.Footnote *
Option #1: Stay put
Generally, you may be able to leave your savings in your existing plan if your account balance is more than $5,000.Footnote 1 By doing so, you'll continue to enjoy tax-deferred or tax-free compounding potential and to receive regular financial account statements and performance reports. Although you will no longer be allowed to contribute to the plan, you will still have control over how your money is invested among the plan's investment selections.
Option #2: Cash out
You may elect to have your money paid to you in one lump sum or, if provided under the plan's terms, in installments over a set number of years. A lump-sum approach has a number of drawbacks, including a 20% withholding on the pre-tax contributions and earnings portion of the eligible rollover distribution, which the plan sponsor is obligated to withhold to cover federal income taxes, and a 10% early withdrawal additional tax if you separate from service before age 59½. Depending on your tax bracket and state of residence, you may be liable for additional taxes. Taken together, you could lose up to 50% of your money to federal, state, and local income taxes. An installment approach, whereby distributions are made in substantially equal payments over the participant's and/or participant's and spouse's life expectancy, is not subject to withholding or early withdrawal additional tax. But this is a fairly complex option that may require the assistance of a financial professional and your tax professional.
Option #3: Roll over
You can move your retirement plan money into another qualified account, such as an IRA, using a "direct rollover" or an "indirect rollover." Note that traditional plan balances can be rolled into traditional or Roth IRAs, however taxes must be paid on rollovers to a Roth. Any Roth contributions in your plan account can only be rolled into Roth IRAs. With a direct rollover, the money goes straight from your former employer's retirement plan to your IRA without you ever touching it. The advantages of a direct rollover include simplicity and continued tax deferral on the full amount of your retirement savings. In an indirect rollover, you take a cash distribution, less 20% withholding, but you must redeposit your qualified plan assets into an IRA within 60 days of withdrawal in order to avoid paying taxes and early withdrawal additional taxes. With this approach, however, you'll have to make up the 20% withholding out of your own pocket when you invest the money in the new IRA, or that amount will be considered a distribution and will be taxed, and a 10% additional tax will be applied (if applicable). IRAs may also afford more investment choices than many employer-sponsored plans.
The costs of cashing out*
The costs of cashing out* |
Lump-sum cash distribution |
$10,000 |
− less 20% tax withholding |
($2,000) |
− less 10% additional tax* |
($1,000) |
− less remaining federal and state taxes due** |
($900) |
Equals your net after-tax distribution |
$6,200 |
* This hypothetical example assumes the individual is under age 55 for the entire calendar year in which the individual was laid off.
** This hypothetical example assumes a federal tax rate of 24%, a state tax rate of 5%, no local tax, and that plan balances are held in a traditional tax-deferred plan. Tax rates vary from state to state, and your rates will differ. This example has been simplified for illustrative purposes and is not meant to represent advice. Investment returns cannot be guaranteed.
Consider other short-term funding sources
During times of economic hardship, it may be tempting to take money intended for future needs and use it to supplement a temporary income shortfall. But before choosing a retirement plan cash distribution, look hard at other potential sources to meet your current income needs. Some of these might include:
- Savings accounts or other liquid investments, including money market funds or other easily liquidated investments. With short-term interest rates at historically low levels, the opportunity cost for using these funds is relatively low.
- Home equity loans or lines of credit are one way to tap into the equity in your home. Not only do they offer comparatively low interest rates, but also interest payments may be tax deductible.Footnote 2 The best approach here may be to set up an equity line of credit beforehand, while you are employed, so that funds will be available when you need them. Before taking out a home equity line of credit, consider all the potential benefits and risks.
- Roth contributions. If you do find it necessary to resort to using some of your retirement savings, consider first cashing in the contributed portion of your Roth IRA, if you have one. Amounts you contributed to a Roth IRA can be withdrawn tax free, since you've already paid taxes on them.
If, after everything else, you still find it necessary to cash in your retirement savings account, consider rolling it into an IRA first, then withdraw only what you need. Also, try to time it after year-end, when you may be in a lower tax bracket. But remember that any funds you take out today and use will ultimately reduce your retirement nest egg tomorrow.
You have choices about what to do with your employer-sponsored retirement plan accounts. Depending on your financial circumstances, needs and goals, you may choose to roll over to an IRA or convert to a Roth IRA, roll over an employer-sponsored plan from your old job to your new employer, take a distribution, or leave the account where it is. Each choice may offer different investment options and services, fees and expenses, withdrawal options, required minimum distributions, tax treatment (particularly with reference to employer stock), and different types of protection from creditors and legal judgments. These are complex choices and should be considered with care. For more information visit our rollover page or call Merrill at 888.637.3343.
Footnote 1 Generally, if your account is less than $5,000, your employer can cash out your account. However, if your account has over $1,000 in it, your employer would have to roll over your account into an IRA in your name unless otherwise directed by you.
Footnote 2 Clients should consult their tax advisor regarding interest deductibility.
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The material was authored by a third party, DST Retirement Solutions, LLC, an SS&C company ("SS&C"), not affiliated with Merrill or any of its affiliates and is for information and educational purposes only. The opinions and views expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of Merrill or any of its affiliates. Any assumptions, opinions and estimates are as of the date of this material and are subject to change without notice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The information contained in this material does not constitute advice on the tax consequences of making any particular investment decision. This material does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situations or needs and is not intended as a recommendation, offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security, financial instrument, or strategy. Before acting on any recommendation in this material, you should consider whether it is in your best interest based on your particular circumstances and, if necessary, seek professional advice.
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