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Asked 11/12/2010

What happens to the remaining amount of my 401k?

I recently got terminated from my employer. My total 401k balance is $9700 and my vested balance is $5700. I recently contacted the company who handles my funds and they said that I'm only entitled to roughly $4600 because of taxes. That part I do understand. What I don't understand is what happens to the remaining $4000(the difference between the $9700 and $5700)? Do I get that portion back as well since that was money that was made from the stock market? What's the best way to get the most of my total 401k balance and do it as a cash withdrawal?

 
 
 
 
 
Answers

Answer 1/4 - Submitted 11/13/2010

The vested balance ($5700) is the amount you have. You can roll it over the your IRA or leave it with your plan (most of plan have a cash out limit of $5000), you do not have to pay a penalty of 10% and withhold 20%. The gain is allocated based on your vested precentage.

 
 

Answer 2/4 - Submitted 11/13/2010

Thanks Charles,

What happens to my gain of $4000 then? Does that get tackled on top of the $4600? I'm 32 years old if that makes a difference.

 
 

Answer 3/4 - Submitted 11/15/2010

That $4000 is not likely a gain.. the unvested amount is normally what the employer has contributed. You must work there a certain amount of time before the money is all yours. Some plans vest at 20% per year, some you vest 100% at five years, and before that not at all. I assume you did not contribute the entire amount.. probably 1/2... or less. The rest is company contribution, which if you are not entitled to, or vested in, is returned to the company.

 
 

Answer 4/4 - Submitted 11/15/2010

Maybe you could leave it in the plan or roll it over. I would check if it vests if you leave it in the plan.

 
 
 
 
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