You Left the Job. Did You Leave Your Retirement Money Behind?
Changed jobs, retired, or worked for several employers over the years? You may still have retirement savings in a previous employer's plan.
Depending on the type of account, you may be eligible to roll over your retirement savings into an IRA and explore additional retirement planning opportunities.
Before making a withdrawal or transfer, find out what options may be available to you.
Free consultation • No obligation • No transfer required
Your Old Retirement Accounts Deserve a Second Look.
It's common to accumulate retirement accounts as your career changes. But keeping track of multiple accounts, investment choices, fees, and beneficiaries can become complicated.
An IRA rollover may help you organize eligible retirement savings and explore different planning options. The first step is determining what type of account you have and whether a rollover is permitted.
What Type of Retirement Account Did You Leave Behind?
Different workplace retirement plans have different rollover rules. Understanding your account type is an important first step.
Governmental 457(b) Plans
Common among eligible state and local government employees. Eligible distributions from governmental 457(b) plans can generally be rolled into an IRA.
Profit-Sharing Plans
Some employers contribute to retirement plans on behalf of employees. Eligible distributions may qualify for IRA rollovers, depending on the plan rules.
Employer Pension Plans
Certain pension plans offer eligible lump-sum distributions that may be rolled into an IRA. Not all pensions offer this option, and valuable benefits may be lost.
Other Workplace Retirement Plans
You may have savings in a 401(k), 403(b), TSP, or another employer-sponsored retirement arrangement. Eligibility depends on account and distribution rules.
Important: Not all employer retirement plans are eligible for IRA rollovers. For example, nongovernmental 457(b) plans generally cannot be rolled into an IRA. Your specific plan must be reviewed.
Could Consolidating Your Retirement Accounts Make Sense?
Moving eligible retirement savings into an IRA may provide several planning advantages, depending on your current plans and goals.
Simplify Your Accounts
Combining eligible retirement savings may make it easier to monitor balances, investments, and beneficiaries in one place.
Explore More Choices
Depending on the IRA provider, you may have access to different investment options and retirement planning strategies.
Plan for Your Next Chapter
Review your retirement savings alongside your goals for future income, financial flexibility, and long-term planning.
Before consolidating: Compare your existing plan's fees, investment choices, creditor protections, withdrawal provisions, and other benefits. Moving funds into an IRA is not automatically the best option.
Thinking About Cashing Out an Old Retirement Account? Know the Consequences First.
Withdrawing money from a traditional employer retirement plan may create income taxes and possible early-distribution additional taxes.
An eligible direct rollover into a compatible traditional IRA can generally preserve tax deferral. Understanding your choices before taking a distribution can help you make a more informed decision.
How Much Could Cashing Out Your Retirement Cost You?
Answer three simple questions to estimate how federal taxes and a possible IRS early-withdrawal additional tax could affect your retirement savings.
Retirement Withdrawal Calculator
Enter your information below. Your estimated results update automatically.
Your Estimated Results
What If You Qualified for a Direct IRA Rollover?
$100,000Potential amount transferred to a compatible traditional IRA while preserving tax deferral, assuming the full pretax distribution is eligible for a direct rollover and no fees reduce the amount. Future withdrawals may be taxable.
Important Tax Information: You may not pay all taxes owed at the time of withdrawal. Your retirement plan may withhold federal income taxes when funds are distributed. Your actual tax liability, including any applicable IRS 10% additional tax, is determined when you file your tax return for the year of withdrawal. You could owe additional taxes or receive a refund.
Calculator disclaimer: This simplified estimate assumes the entire withdrawal is taxable as ordinary income and applies the selected federal tax rate to the full amount. Actual taxes may differ because of progressive tax brackets, deductions, credits, and other income. State taxes, plan fees, and other costs are not included. The IRS 10% additional tax generally applies to taxable early distributions before age 59½ unless an exception applies. Certain distributions, including qualifying governmental 457(b) distributions, may not be subject to this additional tax. Not every distribution is eligible for an IRA rollover. This tool is for educational purposes only and is not individualized tax advice.
Who May Qualify for a Retirement Plan Rollover?
Your eligibility depends on your plan type, employment status, available distributions, and applicable retirement plan rules.
You Changed Employers
If you left a previous employer, eligible retirement funds may be available for rollover.
You Recently Retired
Retirement may provide access to eligible plan distributions, depending on your account and plan provisions.
You Have Multiple Old Accounts
You may be able to consolidate eligible retirement accounts into a compatible IRA.
You Are Still Employed
Certain employer plans allow in-service distributions under specific conditions. Availability depends on the plan rules.
How Many Retirement Accounts Have You Left Behind?
You don't need to rush into a rollover. But if you haven't reviewed your retirement accounts in years, now is a good time to understand where your money is and what choices you may have.
Know What You Have
Identify your old retirement accounts and understand their current features.
Know Your Options
Explore whether eligible funds could be consolidated or moved into an IRA.
Know Your Next Step
Discuss the potential benefits and considerations before making a decision.
Questions About Old Retirement Accounts and Rollovers
Learn more about employer retirement plans, IRA rollover eligibility, account consolidation, taxes, and early-withdrawal rules.
What happens to my retirement account when I leave a job?
Depending on the plan and your account balance, you may be able to leave the money in the plan, roll over eligible funds, transfer to another accepting employer plan, or take a distribution. Certain small balances may be subject to automatic distribution rules.
Can I roll over retirement money from a previous employer?
Many employer-sponsored retirement plans permit rollovers of eligible distributions. The plan type, distribution rules, and receiving account determine whether a rollover is allowed.
Can I combine multiple old retirement accounts into one IRA?
Eligible retirement savings can often be consolidated into compatible IRAs. Traditional and Roth funds generally require different tax treatment.
Can I roll over a governmental 457(b) plan into an IRA?
Generally, eligible distributions from a governmental 457(b) plan can be rolled into an IRA. Nongovernmental 457(b) plans generally cannot be rolled into an IRA.
Can I roll over a pension into an IRA?
Some pension plans offer eligible lump-sum distributions that may qualify for an IRA rollover. Not all pensions offer lump sums. Consider pension income and survivor benefits before making a decision.
Will I pay taxes when I roll over my retirement account?
An eligible direct rollover of pretax funds into a compatible traditional IRA generally preserves tax deferral. Roth conversions, cash distributions, and other transactions may have different tax consequences.
Is there a deadline to roll over money from an old job?
There is generally no universal requirement to immediately roll over a retirement account after leaving an employer. However, plan rules may affect small balances, and an indirect rollover generally has a 60-day deadline.
What if I don't know what type of retirement plan I have?
Review account statements, benefits documents, or contact your former employer's plan administrator. The account type matters because rollover rules differ.
Is rolling over my retirement account always better?
No. Your existing plan may provide valuable benefits, lower fees, special withdrawal rules, or stronger protections. A rollover should be evaluated based on your specific situation.
How much is the IRS early-withdrawal additional tax?
The IRS generally imposes a 10% additional tax on taxable early distributions before age 59½ unless an exception applies. Certain plans and distributions, including qualifying governmental 457(b) amounts, have different rules.
Do I pay all my retirement withdrawal taxes immediately?
Not necessarily. Your retirement plan may withhold federal income tax when you receive a distribution. For eligible rollover distributions paid directly to you from employer plans, 20% federal withholding generally applies. Your actual tax liability is determined when filing your tax return for the year of withdrawal. Withholding may be more or less than the taxes ultimately owed.
How do I find out if my retirement account qualifies?
Your account type, employment status, plan provisions, and distribution eligibility are important factors. Request a complimentary review to explore your options and identify the information needed to confirm eligibility.
Three Steps to Explore Your Rollover Options
You can request a review without committing to move your money.
Request Your Review
Complete a short form with basic information about your retirement accounts and goals.
We Contact You
Our team contacts you at your preferred time to help arrange a complimentary consultation.
Explore Your Options
Discuss eligibility, potential IRA benefits, and important considerations with a qualified professional.
Your Old Retirement Accounts May Have More Options Than You Realize.
Whether you changed jobs, retired, or have several accounts from previous employers, understanding your options is an important first step.
Find out whether your retirement savings may qualify for an IRA rollover and explore the opportunities available to you.
No obligation to move funds or purchase a product.