Skip to main content

We'll help you
move forward.

401(k) Plan

What Is a 401(k) Plan?

A 401(k) plan is a self-directed, qualified retirement plan established by an employer to provide future retirement benefits for employees. Employee contributions are made on a pre-tax basis, and employer contributions are often tax deductible.

If you have a Roth 401(k) option, contributions are made with after-tax dollars, but qualified distributions after age 59½ are free of federal income tax. To qualify for a tax-free distribution, the distribution must also satisfy the five-year holding rule. 

Many employers are now enrolling new hires automatically in 401(k) plans, allowing them to opt out later if they choose not to participate. This is done in the hope that more employees will participate and start saving for retirement at an earlier age.

If you elect to participate in a 401(k) plan, you can allocate a percentage of your salary to your plan every paycheck. The maximum annual contribution is $23,000 in 2024 (up from $22,500 in 2023). If you will be 50 or older before the end of the tax year, you can contribute an additional $7,500 in 2024 (unchanged from 2023). Contribution limits are indexed annually for inflation. The funds in your account will accumulate tax deferred until withdrawn, when they are taxed as ordinary income.

Employer contributions are often subject to vesting requirements. Employers can determine their own vesting schedules, making employees partially vested over time and fully vested after a specific number of years. When an employee is fully vested, he or she is entitled to all the contributions made by the employer when separating from service.

In plans that offer loans, you may also be allowed to borrow money from your account (up to 50% of the vested account value or $50,000, whichever is less) with a five-year repayment period. Of course, if you leave your job, the loan may have to be repaid immediately.

The assets in a 401(k) plan are portable. When you leave your job or retire, you can move your assets or take a taxable distribution. However, if you leave a company before you are fully vested, you will be allowed to take only the funds that you contributed yourself plus any vested funds, as well as any earnings that have accumulated on those contributions.

Within certain limits, the funds in your 401(k) plan can be rolled over directly to your new employer’s retirement plan without penalty. Alternatively, you can roll your funds directly to an individual retirement account (IRA).

Generally, you must begin taking required minimum distributions from 401(k) plans no later than April 1 of the year after you reach age 73 (for individuals who reach age 72 after December 31, 2022). If you attained age 72 in 2022 or earlier, you are already required to take annual RMDs. The RMD age will rise to 75 in 2033. Distributions from regular 401(k) plans are taxed as ordinary income and may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty if withdrawn before age 59½, unless an exception applies.

A 401(k) plan can be a great way to save for retirement, especially if your employer offers matching contributions. If you are eligible to participate in a 401(k) plan, you should take advantage of the opportunity, even if you have to start by contributing a small percentage of your salary. This type of plan can form the basis for a sound retirement funding strategy.

 

The information in this article is not intended as tax, legal, investment, or retirement advice or recommendations, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek guidance from an independent tax or legal professional. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions. © 2024 Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

This information is intended for use only by residents of (AZ, CA, CO, DC, DE, FL, HI, ID, IL, KY, MA, MD, MT, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OR, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI). Securities-related services may not be provided to individuals residing in any state not listed above.

For parties residing outside of the U.S., this information is: (i) provided for informational purposes only, (ii) not and should not be construed in any manner as an offer to participate in any investment or to buy or sell any securities or related financial instruments, and (iii) not and should not be construed in any manner as a public offering of any financial services, securities or related financial instruments. Products and services listed may not be available, or may have restrictions, depending on client country of residence.

Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors. Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

Insurance products are offered through nonbank insurance agency affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company and are underwritten by unaffiliated insurance companies.

A note about Social Media: Opinions, comments and actions taken on Social Media are those of the third party and do not necessarily reflect the views of the creator of this profile or of the firm. Social Media is intended for U.S. residents only and subject to the following terms: wellsfargoadvisors.com/social.

© 2022 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved.

FINRA’s BrokerCheck Obtain more information about our firm and its financial professionals

FINRA’s BrokerCheck Obtain more information about our firm and its financial professionalsX