June 12, 2019
A 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that is sponsored by an employer. It has grown quite popular in the United States, with over 100 million participants (Source: U.S. Department of Labor).
A 401(k) plan offers significant tax benefits while helping you plan for the future. You contribute to the plan via payroll deduction, which can make it easier for you to save for retirement. One important feature of a 401(k) plan is your ability to make pre-tax contributions to the plan. Pre-tax means that your contributions are deducted from your pay and transferred to the 401(k)plan before federal (and most state) income taxes are calculated. This reduces your current taxable income — you don’t pay income taxes on the amount you contribute, or any investment gains on your contributions, until you receive payments from the plan.
Trivia Question: Do you know why it’s called a 401(k) plan? Answer: It’s a reference to the section of the IRS code—section 401, paragraph (k).
You may also be able to make Roth contributions to your 401(k) plan. Roth 401(k) contributions are made on an after-tax basis, just like Roth IRA contributions. Unlike pre-tax contributions to a 401(k) plan, there’s no up-front tax benefit — your contributions are deducted from your pay and transferred to the plan after taxes are calculated. But a distribution from your Roth 401(k) account is entirely free from federal income tax if the distribution is qualified. In general, a distribution is qualified only if it satisfies both of the following requirements:
Generally, you can contribute up to $19,000 ($25,000 if you’re age 50 or older) to a 401(k) plan in 2019 (unless your plan imposes lower limits). And, if your plan allows Roth 401(k) contributions, you can split your contribution between pre-tax and Roth contributions any way you wish.
When can I contribute?
While a 401(k) plan can make you wait up to a year to participate, many plans let you to begin contributing with your first paycheck. Some plans also provide for automatic enrollment. If you’ve been automatically enrolled, make sure to check that your default contribution rate and investments are appropriate for your circumstances.
What about employer contributions?
Employers don’t have to contribute to 401(k) plans, but many will match all or part of your contributions. As a rule of thumb, contribute as much as possible in order to maximize the matching contribution from your employer. This is essentially free money that can help you pursue your retirement goals. Note that your plan may require up to six years of service before your employer matching contributions are fully vested (that is, owned by you), although most plans have a faster vesting schedule.
Should I make pre-tax or Roth contributions (if allowed)?
If you think you’ll be in a higher tax bracket when you retire, Roth 401(k) contributions may be more appealing, since you’ll effectively lock in today’s lower tax rates (and future withdrawals will generally be tax free). However, if you think you’ll be in a lower tax bracket when you retire, pre-tax 401(k) contributions may be more appropriate because your contributions reduce your taxable income now. Your investment horizon and projected investment results are also important factors.
What else do I need to know?
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