Diverse group of people on porch smiling

Financial Answer Center

Your 401(k) When Switching Jobs

Beware–the 10% Early Withdrawal Penalty Tax

401(k) plans allow you to begin withdrawing money, without penalty, after age 59½. However, there is a 10% penalty tax on withdrawals made before age 59½ (if you don't roll it over) from your 401(k) plan, unless the distribution is made under one of the limited circumstances allowed by law. That is, there is a penalty for taking your money "too soon."

Some Exceptions to the 10% Early Withdrawal Penalty for 401(k) Plans

The 10% early withdrawal penalty does not apply to these situations:

  1. Distributions made after age 59½
  2. Distributions made after you separate from service during or after the year in which you reach age 55
  3. Distributions that you roll over to another qualified retirement plan, tax-sheltered annuity, or IRA within 60 days.
  4. Distributions made due to disability or after your death
  5. Distributions for qualified medical expenses that exceed 10% of adjusted gross income in 2019 (7.5% in 2018).
  6. Distributions after separation from service that are part of a scheduled series of substantially equal periodic payments

IMPORTANT NOTE: Using your retirement plan savings for non-retirement purposes should always be your last resort.
For more information, see the section Distributions Over Your Life Expectancy.

Share Article:
Add to GooglePlus

FINRA SIPC
Securities and insurance products are offered through INFINEX INVESTMENTS INC. and its affiliates, member FINRA/SIPC. Infinex Investments Inc. and Exchange Investment Services, Inc. are independent entities.
 
Not FDIC Insured | Not Bank Guaranteed | May Lose Value | Not Guaranteed by any Government Agency | Not a Bank Deposit
 
This site is designed for U.S. residents only. The services offered within this site are available exclusively through our U.S. registered representatives. Infinex Investments Inc. registered representatives may only conduct business with residents of the states for which they are properly registered. Please note that not all the investments and services mentioned are available in every state.
 

BrokerCheck