401(k) Rollover Education
Understand Your Options for an Old 401(k).
If you've left an employer or are reviewing your retirement savings, you may have several options available. This guide explains common considerations, how rollover conversations work, and what questions to ask before making any decisions.
The best retirement decision isn't always the fastest one—it's the one that's right for your goals, timeline, and circumstances.
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Rollover Checker
Where Can Your Old Account Move?
Choose the account you hold. You will see every account type the IRS allows you to move it into, the conditions on each, and the ones that are closed off.
A Roth IRA can move into 1 of 8 account types
You can move it into
- Roth IRA Only one rollover in any 12-month period.
You cannot move it into
- Traditional IRA
- SIMPLE IRA
- SEP-IRA
- Governmental 457(b)
- Qualified plan
- 403(b)
- Designated Roth account
A Traditional IRA can move into 7 of 8 account types
You can move it into
- Roth IRA Must be included in income.
- Traditional IRA Only one rollover in any 12-month period.
- SIMPLE IRA Only one rollover in any 12-month period. Applies to rollover contributions made after December 18, 2015. Only after two years of participation in the SIMPLE IRA plan.
- SEP-IRA Only one rollover in any 12-month period.
- Governmental 457(b) Must have separate accounts.
- Qualified plan
- 403(b)
You cannot move it into
- Designated Roth account
A SIMPLE IRA can move into 7 of 8 account types
You can move it into
- Roth IRA Must be included in income. Only after two years of participation in the SIMPLE IRA plan.
- Traditional IRA Only one rollover in any 12-month period. Only after two years of participation in the SIMPLE IRA plan.
- SIMPLE IRA Only one rollover in any 12-month period.
- SEP-IRA Only one rollover in any 12-month period. Only after two years of participation in the SIMPLE IRA plan.
- Governmental 457(b) Must have separate accounts. Only after two years of participation in the SIMPLE IRA plan.
- Qualified plan Only after two years of participation in the SIMPLE IRA plan.
- 403(b) Only after two years of participation in the SIMPLE IRA plan.
You cannot move it into
- Designated Roth account
A SEP-IRA can move into 7 of 8 account types
You can move it into
- Roth IRA Must be included in income.
- Traditional IRA Only one rollover in any 12-month period.
- SIMPLE IRA Only one rollover in any 12-month period. Applies to rollover contributions made after December 18, 2015. Only after two years of participation in the SIMPLE IRA plan.
- SEP-IRA Only one rollover in any 12-month period.
- Governmental 457(b) Must have separate accounts.
- Qualified plan
- 403(b)
You cannot move it into
- Designated Roth account
A Governmental 457(b) can move into 8 of 8 account types
You can move it into
- Roth IRA Must be included in income.
- Traditional IRA
- SIMPLE IRA Applies to rollover contributions made after December 18, 2015. Only after two years of participation in the SIMPLE IRA plan.
- SEP-IRA
- Governmental 457(b)
- Qualified plan
- 403(b)
- Designated Roth account Must be included in income. Must be an in-plan rollover.
A Qualified plan can move into 8 of 8 account types
Qualified plan: Pre-tax — profit-sharing, 401(k), money purchase and defined benefit plans
You can move it into
- Roth IRA Must be included in income.
- Traditional IRA
- SIMPLE IRA Applies to rollover contributions made after December 18, 2015. Only after two years of participation in the SIMPLE IRA plan.
- SEP-IRA
- Governmental 457(b) Must have separate accounts.
- Qualified plan
- 403(b)
- Designated Roth account Must be included in income. Must be an in-plan rollover.
A 403(b) can move into 8 of 8 account types
403(b): Pre-tax
You can move it into
- Roth IRA Must be included in income.
- Traditional IRA
- SIMPLE IRA Applies to rollover contributions made after December 18, 2015. Only after two years of participation in the SIMPLE IRA plan.
- SEP-IRA
- Governmental 457(b) Must have separate accounts.
- Qualified plan
- 403(b)
- Designated Roth account Must be included in income. Must be an in-plan rollover.
A Designated Roth account can move into 2 of 8 account types
Designated Roth account: Within a 401(k), 403(b) or 457(b)
You can move it into
- Roth IRA
- Designated Roth account Any nontaxable amounts distributed must be rolled over by direct trustee-to-trustee transfer.
You cannot move it into
- Traditional IRA
- SIMPLE IRA
- SEP-IRA
- Governmental 457(b)
- Qualified plan
- 403(b)
Built from the IRS rollover chart. It covers moves between retirement accounts and does not cover insurance products, and it is not a substitute for the rules of your own plan. Confirm anything here with your plan administrator and a qualified tax professional before you act.
Open the IRS chart (PDF)At a glance
What This Page Will Help You Understand
This page is designed to explain your options—not recommend a particular course of action. Every retirement situation is different.
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Review
Your OptionsUnderstand the options available for a 401(k) from a former employer and the factors that may help you.
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Education,
Not AdviceThe information provided here is educational and should not replace personalized tax, legal, or financial advice.
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IUL Is Not a
Rollover DestinationA 401(k) cannot be directly rolled into an Indexed Universal Life insurance policy.
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Your 401(k)
Provides ContextInformation about your retirement savings helps guide a conversation but does not automatically determine eligibility for any insurance strategy.
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Every Situation
Is DifferentYour age, employment status, retirement goals, plan rules, and financial circumstances all influence your available options.
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Qualified
Professionals MatterSome financial decisions may require guidance from tax, legal or financial professionals before taking proper actions.
Learn About
Indexed Universal Life
Understand how permanent life insurance works and how it differs from retirement accounts.
STARTING THE CONVERSATION
If You've Left an Employer, It May Be Worth Reviewing Your 401(k)
When you leave a job, your retirement account doesn't necessarily need immediate action—but understanding your available options may help you make more informed decisions over time.
This page does not recommend moving retirement assets. Every retirement decision should be evaluated based on your individual circumstances.
Topics Worth Reviewing
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Current investment options - Plan fees and expenses
- Account flexibility
- Long-term financial goals
- Beneficiary designations
Before Making Any Changes
- Review your current plan carefully.
- Understand available options.
- Consider possible tax implications.
- Consult qualified professionals when appropriate.
- Avoid making rushed decisions.
Special Circumstances
Some Current Employer Plans May Offer Additional Flexibility
For certain individuals, retirement planning conversations may extend beyond former employer plans. Depending on your employer's plan rules and personal circumstances, additional options may become available.
In some situations, individuals who are age 59½ or older may have additional options available under their employer's retirement plan.
However, these opportunities vary significantly between plans and should never be assumed.
Availability depends on employer plan rules, individual circumstances, and applicable regulations. Age alone does not determine eligibility.
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Current Employment Status
Whether you're still employed or have left a previous employer can influence which retirement planning options may be available.
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Employer Plan Provisions
Every employer-sponsored retirement plan has its own rules, features, and distribution options that should be reviewed carefully.
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Age & Retirement Timeline
Your age and expected retirement timeline may influence the planning conversations that are appropriate for your situation.
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Individual Financial Goals
Your long-term objectives, income needs, and retirement priorities should help guide any planning discussion.
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Applicable Tax Considerations
Tax implications can vary based on your individual circumstances and should be reviewed with qualified professionals.
UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS
Reviewing Your Options Starts
with Understanding Your Current Plan
Before considering any retirement planning strategy, it's important to understand your existing 401(k), the options available, and the factors that may influence your decision.
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Review Your Current Plan
Begin by understanding your existing retirement account, including its investment options, fees, plan provisions, and available features.
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Explore Available Options
Discuss the options that may be available based on your employment status, retirement goals, plan rules, and individual circumstances.
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Consider Broader Financial Goals
If appropriate, explore how different retirement planning strategies—including insurance-based planning—fit within your broader financial picture.
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Consult Qualified Professionals
Tax, legal, and financial professionals can help evaluate the implications of any retirement account decisions before action is taken.
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Make an Informed Decision
Once you've reviewed your options and received appropriate guidance, you can decide which path best aligns with your goals and how you can achieve them.
Good Decisions Begin with Good Information
Understanding your current plan and the options available is often the most valuable first step—before considering whether any changes are appropriate.
This process is educational in nature and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice.
Important Considerations
Every Retirement Decision Involves More Than Investment Performance
Before making any retirement account decisions, it's important to understand the financial, tax, and policy considerations that may affect your situation.
Fees, taxes, employer benefits, liquidity needs, policy costs, and long-term objectives all deserve careful consideration before any decisions are made.
| Consideration | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
 Plan Fees | Compare ongoing costs and available investment options. |
 Tax Implications | Different retirement decisions may have different tax consequences. |
 Employer Match | Understand whether ongoing employer contributions could be affected. |
 Liquidity Needs | Consider when and how you may need access to your money. |
 Policy Charges | Insurance products may include ongoing policy costs that should be understood. |
 Long-Term Funding | Some strategies require ongoing contributions over time. |
A Balanced Review Looks at the Complete Picture
Rather than focusing on one feature or benefit, reviewing all of these considerations together helps create a more informed retirement planning conversation.
START WITH THE RIGHT QUESTIONS
Questions That Can Help Guide the Conversation
Every retirement situation is different. Asking thoughtful questions before making changes can help you better understand your options and the trade-offs involved.
Prefer to talk? (708) 401-7574
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Employer Plan
Am I still receiving an employer match?
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Fees
What fees or expenses am I currently paying?
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Investment Options
Am I satisfied with the investment choices available?
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Liquidity
When might I need access to these funds?
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Tax Considerations
What tax implications should I understand before making changes?
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Insurance Planning
If insurance is discussed, how would policy funding and ongoing costs work?
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Underwriting
Would underwriting apply if life insurance becomes part of the conversation?
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Long-Term Goals
Which option best supports my retirement objectives over time?
Better Questions Lead to Better Decisions
The goal isn’t to arrive at a predetermined answer—it’s to understand the options available and choose the one that best aligns with your personal circumstances.
IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND
Your 401(k) Helps Frame the Conversation.
It Doesn't Determine the Outcome
Having a 401(k), or not having one, doesn't automatically qualify or disqualify you for any particular retirement planning strategy.
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Context, Not Qualification
A 401(k) helps provide useful background but isn't a requirement for discussing life insurance strategies.
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Every Situation Is Unique
Recommendations depend on your complete financial picture—not one account alone.
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Education Comes First
The goal is to understand your options before deciding whether additional conversations are appropriate.
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Personalized Conversations
Every discussion begins by understanding your unique circumstances rather than applying a standard solution.
Your retirement account information is one part of a broader educational discussion and should not be viewed as an automatic qualification or disqualification.
FAQs
A Common Question
About 401(k) Rollovers
Every retirement situation is unique. This answer provides general educational information to help you better understand a common rollover question before making any decisions.
Can I roll my 401(k) directly into an Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policy?
A 401(k) cannot be directly rolled into an Indexed Universal Life insurance policy. Retirement accounts and life insurance policies follow different rules and serve different purposes. If life insurance becomes part of a broader retirement planning discussion, funding considerations would be reviewed separately.
Personalized Education
Let's Start with Your Situation—Not Assumptions
Every retirement journey is different. Our brief qualification survey helps us understand your goals, employment status, and retirement planning questions before determining whether a personalized educational conversation is appropriate.
Complimentary 10–15 minute consultation. No pressure, ever.
Completing the survey doesn't commit you to purchasing a policy—it simply helps determine whether a conversation may be appropriate.
Disclosure Points
Important Information
- This page is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, legal, or investment advice.
- Retirement account decisions should be evaluated with qualified tax, legal, or financial professionals based on your individual circumstances.
- A 401(k) cannot be directly rolled into an Indexed Universal Life insurance policy.
- Policy funding, insurance charges, eligibility, and available features vary by policy, carrier, and individual circumstances.
- Taxes, penalties, employer plan rules, and retirement account options depend on current law and your specific retirement plan.
- Life insurance coverage and riders are subject to underwriting, policy provisions, and state availability.
- No policy approval, funding strategy, tax outcome, retirement result, or eligibility is guaranteed.