401(k) Advice from our Experts at Camden National Wealth Management

Changing careers is an exciting time, but benefits can quickly get complicated. Setting up payroll, enrolling in health insurance, and tapping into retirement benefits are a lot to heap onto your plate while you’re learning a new job. To help make your transition a little less stressful, we spoke with our team of experts at Camden National Wealth Management for their advice on handling your 401(k) plan from your previous employer.

Before we dive in, let’s take a moment to review the basics of a 401(k).

A 401(k) plan is a retirement benefit offered by many employers. Employees contribute to their 401(k) account through payroll deductions, and your employer may even match some or all of your contributions. Contributions to a 401(k) are made pre-tax, meaning you don’t pay taxes on the money you deposit until you withdraw it from the account (typically after age 59.5, when withdrawals would be taxed as ordinary income).

When you change employers, it’s crucial to consider what to do with the account from your previous employer.

In general, there are four ways to handle a 401(k) from a previous employer. When weighing your options, look at your financial situation, revisit your goals for retirement, and consider consulting with a financial and/or tax advisor. Let’s take a close look at all four options:

1. If your new employer offers a 401(k) plan, you can roll your existing 401(k) assets over into the new plan.

This is a frequent choice, as you can conveniently consolidate all pre-tax 401(k) assets into one account. When you roll over a 401(k) into a new plan, you avoid any taxable events or penalties. Then, with your new employer’s 401(k) plan, you can continue making regular contributions, grow your nest egg, and take advantage of any match your new employer may offer.

Be sure to speak to your new plan sponsor about any additional advantages you may have with a rollover.

2. Convert your 401(k) assets into an individual retirement account (IRA)

When changing employers, some people opt to move the balance of their 401(k) account into an IRA. Rolling over into an IRA is a tax-free event. Different factors, including your age, retirement timeline, and marital status, can go into the decision. If your new employer does not offer a 401(k) plan, this could be a helpful way to continue contributing to retirement savings. Key things to remember:

• IRAs have flexibility. You can choose where you open the account and what investment vehicles you’d like to use. You may also work with a financial professional on your investment strategy.After the rollover has taken place, any future contributions you make to an IRA account are after-tax. There is also an annual contribution limit. In 2021, the contributions limit for IRAs is $6,000 annually (or $7,000 if you’re over 50).
• After the rollover, any future contributions you make to an IRA account are post-tax. There is also an annual contribution limit. In 2023, the contribution limit for IRAs is $6,500 annually or $7,500 if you’re over 50.After you reach age 59½, any withdrawals you make from an IRA are taxed as ordinary income. Be sure to consult with your tax advisor as there may be an opportunity for tax deductions.
• After you reach age 59.5, any withdrawals from an IRA are taxed as ordinary income. Be sure to consult with your tax advisor, as there may be an opportunity for deductions.
• When it comes time to draw on your 401(k) in retirement, it may be beneficial to roll the funds into an IRA first, though this is not required.
• We can help you set up an IRA and recommend an investment strategy that is right for you.

3. Keep your 401(k) with your former employer AND create a new 401(k) with your new employer

In certain situations, you may want to keep your money in your former employer’s 401(k) plan. For example, you may have company stocks that cannot be rolled over.

Keep in mind, however, that if you decide to keep a balance with your former employer’s 401(k), you won’t be able to continue contributing to that plan. You’ll only be able to contribute (through payroll deductions) to the new account you set up with your new employer.

It’s a good idea to check with your former employer’s HR department and confirm how they handle these situations. If you have a relatively small balance in your former 401(k), your old employer may choose to cash out the account (with a penalty at your expense) or automatically move your 401(k) balance into an IRA.

4. Cash out your 401(k)

When you take a full distribution directly from your 401(k), 20% is automatically withheld for federal income tax (whether you end up owing 20% or not) in addition to a corresponding state tax (5% in Maine). If you’re under the age of 59.5, there will be additional penalties for withdrawing funds early. Generally, this option can be very costly and is not recommended.

Saving for retirement is a critical part of your financial health, but it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the options and tax implications, especially when starting a new job. Getting good advice now will help you meet your goals in the future. If you have additional questions or would like assistance with your unique situation, please be sure to speak with your tax and/or financial advisors for guidance, or reach out to your local Camden National Bank banking center to get in touch with a member of our Wealth Management team*.

*Deposit products are offered by Camden National Bank, Member FDIC. Equal Housing Provider

We also can serve as your corporate Trustee, Co-Trustee or Agent for Trustee, and have the authority to administer trusts and estates throughout the United States. Camden National Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Camden National Corporation. Camden National Bank does not provide tax, accounting or legal advice. Please consult your accountant and/or attorney for tax and legal advice.