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401(k) Retirement Plan: The Smart Way to Secure your Future

Posted on: 22nd Jun, 2005 04:03 am
One of the smart ways to save and invest for your retirement is the employer-sponsored 401(k) Retirement Plan. This article explains the basics of the plan and highlights the following aspects:



What is 401(k) Plan?


This retirement plan helps you to authorize your employer to deduct a certain amount of money from your salary before taxes are calculated and put it in the retirement account. You may also utilize the cash in the account for investment purposes.

How does the plan work?


  • Maximum Contribution:
    When you participate in a 401(k) plan, you tell your employer how much you want to pay for your retirement account. You can usually put up to 15% of your salary into the account each month, but the employer has the right to limit that amount. The IRS limits your total annual contribution to $ 15,500 (for 2008).

  • Employer's Contribution:
    Your employer's contribution may match yours but at different levels. A typical match might be 25%-50% of your own contribution up to a certain level.

  • Investment Options:
    With the new rule coming into effect from the end of October 2007, employers can select from a list of pre-approved funds which they consider suitable for long-term investments. Actively managed funds, life-cycle and balanced funds will be accepted but money market and stable value funds will be excluded from the investment list.

  • Withdrawal Option:
    After reaching 59 and 1/2 years you may withdraw from your retirement account without paying the penalty. But after 70 and 1/2 years you must withdraw a required amount, that is the minimum distribution. Otherwise, you will have to pay an accumulation tax as much as 50% of your required distribution.

  • Added Contribution:
    A Catch-Up Contribution option has been added to this retirement plan. This option enables participants aged 50 and above to increase their contribution in the retirement account. It refers to a supplementary pre-tax contribution made by the participant in excess of the IRS limit or even an employer-imposed plan limit. The annual catch-up contribution limit is $5000 for 2008.

    Eligibility for catch-up contribution:-

    1. Participant has to be in pay status.

    2. They are not in the 6 months non-contribution period following the receipt of financial hardship in-service withdrawal.

    3. The participant's regular plan contributions must reach at least one of the following limits to qualify for catch-up contribution:
      • The Annual Deferral Limit ($15,500 for 2008).
      • The Plan's Deferral Limit (up to 15%).

How do you benefit from the plan?


The benefits that you share from the 401(k) plan are as follows:-
  1. The money you contribute comes out of your paycheck before taxes are calculated and this means that by contributing to a 401(k), you can actually lower the amount you pay each time in current income taxes.

  2. All employer contribution and any growth in the 401(k) account grow tax-free till you withdraw it. Once you start withdrawing the required minimum distribution, you have to pay tax on the withdrawal at your current income tax rate.

  3. If your employer's contribution matches yours, the matched amount is your extra gain.

  4. The employee can decide where to invest current savings and/or future contributions so that he can get can get maximum returns on his investment.

  5. Unlike a pension plan, all contributions can be moved from one company's plan to another company's plan or to an IRA if the participant changes his job.

  6. The plan is protected by Pension (ERISA) laws.

What are its drawbacks?


Putting down your money into a 401(k) account is indeed advantageous but there are some drawbacks as given below:-
  1. It is difficult to access your 401(k) savings before the age of 59 and 1/2 years but it is not impossible. In case of emergency you can withdraw from your account before you reach this age but 10% of your total distribution will be charged as penalty along with the taxes.

  2. 401(k) plan is not insured by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

  3. Employer matching contributions do not become the property of the employee until a number of years have passed.

Can you take a loan from your 401(k) account?


It is easier to take a loan from this account as you don't have to undergo a credit check or a lengthy approval process. Even the rate of interest is comparatively low and you pay the interest to yourself.

However, there are demerits too. The money out of the account is not growing, there may be fees involved in the process and the loan must be paid back immediately if you change your job. Moreover any default in loan repayment is considered as an early withdrawal forcing you to pay taxes and penalties.

How can you improve your declining 401(k) balance?


Look closely at how you are investing. Then follow the simple steps given below:-
  • If you are investing heavily in your employer's company stock, reduce this amount and spread your investments.

  • Adjust your contributions and you can contribute the maximum tax-deferred amount to your 401(k) account.
Your age and your company's plan policy will help you to decide on the strategies you adopt to repair your plan account.

401(k) is an excellent way to plan for your retirement. It helps you to increase your savings and at the same time make money by investing in the plan options. Thus, you can have complete financial security at the time of your retirement with the help of 401(k) Plan.

Hi ED BELL,

I'm not very sure about your query. Nevertheless, you should check out the given page in order to find out more in this regard:
"http://www.irs.gov/retirement/sponsor/article/0,,id=144501,00.html"
Posted on: 02nd Jan, 2011 10:32 pm
Should I be waiting for a document from my 401K if it is pre-tax? Thank you. Kat in sNJ
Posted on: 09th Feb, 2011 03:47 pm
Welcome Kat,

Well... this is a query which will be better answered by your tax adviser. You should contact your tax adviser and take his opinion in this matter.
Posted on: 09th Feb, 2011 11:26 pm
I am 66 and withdrew from my 401k. They withhheld Federal tax but not state. Do I have to pay Hawaii tax on the withdrawal?
Posted on: 12th Apr, 2013 06:35 pm
Hi auntie fifi,

This is something which you need to clarify with a tax adviser. He will better help you in this regard.

Thanks
Posted on: 14th Apr, 2013 10:23 pm
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