How to Roll an IRA Into a 401K Plan
Rolling an IRA into a 401(k) is simple.
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There was a time when an IRA could be rolled, or converted, only into another IRA. That changed in 2001 when lawmakers allowed rollovers between different types of retirement account types. Still, not every 401(k) plan allows rollovers from IRAs. Your plan administrator can give you the skinny on rollover rules specific to your company plan. As of 2012, the Internal Revenue Service will not allow you to roll a Roth IRA into anything but another Roth IRA.
Ask your IRA institution to make a trustee-to-trustee rollover to your 401(k). This might require completing distribution or account closing paperwork. If you are converting the entire IRA amount, the trustee might charge an account closing fee.
Step 2Fill out the paperwork and submit it to the IRA trustee. Provide your name, contact information and IRA account number. Fill in the 401(k) bank or brokerage data, and the number of the 401(k) account to which you want to transfer funds.
Step 3Check in with your 401(k) trustee to be sure the transaction took place. It might take seven business days or longer to complete the transfer. If you are concerned about the processing time, contact both trustees for an explanation.
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