Can I cash out my 401k without quitting my job?

Can you cash out your 401k without quitting your job?

401k withdrawals typically start at age 59.5, but cashing out with a job isn’t normally accepted. The best way to get money from your 401k is through a 401k loan. A 401k loan will help you avoid taxation and early withdrawal fees.

Imagine, being able to get access to your 401k when you need the money. Best of all, you might even qualify for a qualified exception from paying fees.

It isn’t impossible to withdraw early from your 401k.

Luckily for you, I’ll show you if you can cash out your 401k without quitting your job. I’ll show you when you can withdraw from your 401k and for what reasons. You’ll be on your way to getting your money in no time.

This article may contain affiliate links which pays a commission and supports this blog. Thank you for your support!

Can I cash out my 401k without quitting my job?

You can start withdrawing from your company’s 401k if you are 59.5 or older, but cashing out isn’t normally accepted. Instead, you may be able to get a 401k loan which needs to be paid back with interest. However, a 401k loan will help you avoid paying early withdrawal penalties and income taxes.

401k withdrawals are typically penalty free when you reach age 59.5. Early withdrawals are subject to tax withholdings and withdrawal penalties. The only way to avoid withdrawal penalties is to withdraw for a qualified reason.

Canceling your 401k can take up to two weeks before you receive the money from your brokerage account.

Click to Tweet! Please Share!Click To Tweet

When can you withdraw from 401k?

You can withdraw from your 401k at age 59.5 without penalty. Tax withholding and early withdrawal penalties apply for early withdrawals before the age of 59.5. Early withdrawals without penalty may be done via Substantially Equal Periodic Payment Plans, leaving your job after 55, or other life events (e.g. divorce, childbirth, etc.).

What age can you withdraw from 401k?

You can withdraw penalty free from your 401k if you are age 59.5 or older. Early withdrawals are subject to 20% tax withholding and a 10% early withdrawal penalty. You may be able to withdraw from your 401k early if you’re 55 and leave your job.

What reasons can you withdraw from 401k without penalty?

Exemptions from the 401k tax penalty include going with a substantially equal periodic payment plan or leaving your job at age 55. You may also withdraw without penalty during a divorce, childbirth or adoption, 401k rollover, disability, military activation, or for disaster relief.

Choosing a substantially equal periodic payment plan will allow you to withdraw penalty free. Annual distributions must be taken for five years or until you turn 59.5. Ending your plan early means you’ll have to pay the withdrawal penalty. You will need to pay income tax on your withdrawals.

You may be able to withdraw from your 401k penalty free if you are 55 years or older and you leave your job. The money must be withdrawn from your most recent 401k provider and the plan must offer this option. Certain public positions, such as police or firefighter, may be able to withdraw as early as 50 years old.

Certain life events are qualified for early 401k withdrawal without penalty. Assets, such as your 401k, may be split up in the event of a divorce. You won’t pay any fees to split up your 401k because of a divorce.

Other life events may include becoming disabled, 401k rollover, childbirth or adoption, used for disaster relief, or if you are called to active duty.

Hardship distributions can be used to pay for medical bills for immediate family, buy a house, foreclosure or eviction, or college expenses. Your brokerage will make the determination if you qualify for a hardship withdrawal. The amount you can withdraw might be limited to contributions, not investment gains. You will still need to pay income tax on any hardship distribution.

How much will I lose if I cash out my 401k?

Early withdrawals from your 401k are subject to taxes and early withdrawal fees. Typically, the IRS withholds 20% of your withdrawal amount and charges a 10% withdrawal fee. You may also lose money by not having your money invested in the stock market.

The IRS is required to withhold 20% of your withdrawals. However, higher income tax brackets may be subject to higher taxation. Taxes for state and federal income will apply. You will also be subject to a 10% early withdrawal fee.

For example, let’s assume you withdraw $20,000 from your 401k before the age of 59.5. The IRS is going to immediately withhold $4,000 for taxes. You’ll also lose an additional $2,000 in early withdrawal fees.

As you can see, your $20,000 quickly becomes $14,000.

Now let’s assume you’re in the 22% tax bracket and you have a 5% state income tax. The IRS already withheld 20%, so you still owe 2% ($400) in Federal taxes. At 5% state income tax, you would owe an extra $1,000.

Now, your $20,000 is now $12,600 after all taxes and fees.

Your investments will also miss out on capital gains from the stock market. You’ll miss out on the share price appreciation should you withdraw early and the market goes up in value. Withdrawing when the market is down, could result in withdrawing money at a loss.

You can use a cash out 401k calculator to help you understand how much money you can lose for cashing out your 401k.

How to withdraw from 401k?

You can withdraw from your 401k by logging into your 401k account and setting up scheduled withdrawals. Alternatively, you can call your 401k provider’s customer service number who can set up withdrawals for you.

Click to Tweet! Please Share!Click To Tweet

Summary: Can I cash out my 401k?

As you can see, most individuals don’t cash out their 401k before they turn 59.5. However, you can take out a loan against your 401k if you need money. Cashing out your 401k will typically take about 2 weeks.

401k withdrawals can start at age 59.5. However, you might be able to withdraw penalty free at age 55 if you quit your job. Early withdrawals are subject to IRS withholdings and a 10% early withdrawal fee.

Substantially equal periodic payment plans, divorce, disability, 401k rollover, childbirth or adoption, disaster relief, or active duty may allow you to obtain funds from your 401k. Check to see if you qualify for a hardship distribution for medical bills, housing, or college expenses.

You can lose a lot of money by withdrawing from your 401k early. The IRS will withhold a minimum of 20%, plus an additional 10% in withdrawal fees. You may owe higher federal tax and state income tax, which can increase the amount you’ll lose. Market fluctuations can impact the future value of your withdrawals.