Roll over an old 401(k) without triggering withholding

  1. Locate your old 401(k) plan documents and account statements
    20 min

    This step gathers the three items every rollover decision needs: the Summary Plan Description (SPD), the plan administrator’s contact information, and recent account statements showing balances split by source — pre-tax deferrals, employer match, and Roth after-tax contributions.

    Without these numbers you cannot compare fees, confirm the Roth subtotal, or fill out a transfer request later.

    Find the Summary Plan Description (SPD). Search your email inbox and your physical file cabinet for the copy you received when you enrolled.

    • Not in hand? Visit the plan’s website, or call the number on your latest statement and request a replacement copy.

    Regain portal access. Log into the old plan’s online portal with your previous username and password.

    • Locked out? Call the plan administrator, verify your identity, and ask for read-only or distribution-access reinstatement.

    Pull the most recent quarterly statement. Download it or request a copy.

    • Scan for the line items “pre-tax deferral,” “Roth after-tax,” “employer match,” and “employee deferral.”
    • Note the total balance and — separately — the Roth subtotal.

    Note the administrator’s contact details. The phone number and mailing address are usually on the first page of the SPD or in the statement header.

    Read the SPD for two key numbers: the plan’s force-out threshold (commonly $1,000, $5,000, or $7,000) and any distribution or processing fees.

    Keep it in one folder, physical or digital:

    • Plan administrator name, phone number, and mailing address
    • Your account number
    • Total pre-tax balance
    • Total Roth balance (if any)
    • Plan’s force-out threshold
    • Distribution fee amount (if any)