Benefits

Your money can continue to grow tax-deferred.

You have your retirement assets conveniently consolidated with one provider.

Benefits

You have cash in hand to take care of current needs.

Keep in mind

The plan may not accept certain types of rollovers from other plans, or Roth or after-tax money.

Make sure the rollover funds go directly from your old plan’s trustee to your new plan’s trustee to avoid having income tax withheld on the taxable portion of your distribution.

There may be a waiting period before you can move your money into your new plan.

Your investment options are limited to what is offered in your new plan.

You’re subject to the rules and restrictions of your new plan.

To roll a retirement plan account from a former employer to a new American Funds plan, you’ll need an Incoming Rollover Request form, available from the American Funds plan’s representative.

Keep in mind

Money you spend now won’t be there for you later.

Your employer must withhold 20% of the taxable portion of your distribution for federal income taxes. You may owe more at tax time.

A 10% early withdrawal penalty may apply if you’re under age 59-1/2. If you’re 55 or older when you leave your job, withdrawals are penalty-free but still taxable. Other exceptions may apply.

Withdrawals from Roth accounts are tax- and penalty-free if the account was established at least five years before, and if you are at least 59-1/2 years of age, are disabled or have died.

You may owe state and local taxes on the taxable portion of your distribution.