
You've got a 457b plan, but you're thinking of retiring soon. You can roll over your 457b plan to a traditional IRA, but there are some key things to consider.
You can roll over a 457b plan to a traditional IRA, and it's a great way to consolidate your retirement savings. The IRS allows 457b plan rollovers to traditional IRAs.
You have a few options when rolling over your 457b plan, including a direct rollover to an IRA, or a 60-day rollover to an IRA. A direct rollover is generally the best option, as it's faster and less complicated.
The IRS requires that you complete a 457(b) plan distribution form to initiate the rollover process. This form will guide you through the process and ensure that your rollover is handled correctly.
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What Is a 457b Rollover?
A 457(b) rollover is a process of transferring funds from a 457(b) retirement plan into another retirement plan or IRA. This can be a great way to expand your investment options, consolidating your accounts and preparing for retirement.
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You can roll over a portion of your 457(b) plan to another qualifying retirement account, which allows for greater flexibility in managing your retirement assets. This can be particularly useful if you're seeking to balance between immediate access to funds and long-term growth potential.
There are three compelling reasons to consider a 457(b) rollover: expanding your investment options, consolidating your accounts, and preparing for retirement.
Here are some possible reasons to consider a 457(b) rollover:
- Expanding your investment options: Perhaps your current 457(b) plan offers a limited selection of investment choices, and you're looking for a wider array of options to diversify your portfolio.
- Consolidating your accounts: If you have multiple retirement accounts scattered across different employers, rolling over funds from a 457(b) to another account can simplify your finances, making them easier to manage.
- Preparing for retirement: As you approach retirement, you might find that certain types of accounts offer features more suited to your upcoming lifestyle and financial needs.
What Is a 457b Plan?
A 457b plan is a type of deferred compensation plan offered by certain employers, such as state and local governments, tax-exempt organizations, and some private companies.
These plans allow eligible employees to contribute a portion of their salary to a tax-deferred retirement account, which can grow tax-free over time.
457b plans have a catch-up contribution limit of $15,000 per year, which can be added to the standard annual limit of $19,500 in 2022.

Eligible employees can start contributing to a 457b plan as early as age 18, and contributions can be made up to age 70 1/2.
The 457b plan contribution limits are higher than those of other retirement accounts, such as 401(k) plans, which have a standard annual limit of $19,500 and a catch-up limit of $6,500 in 2022.
What Is a Rollover?
A rollover is a way to move your money from one retirement account to another, specifically from a 457(b) plan to another qualifying retirement account. This can be done for various reasons, such as expanding your investment options or consolidating your accounts.
There are compelling reasons to consider a rollover, including expanding your investment options, consolidating your accounts, and preparing for retirement. For example, if your current 457(b) plan offers a limited selection of investment choices, you might want to roll over to a plan with a wider array of options.
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A partial 457 rollover allows you to transfer a portion of your 457(b) plan to another qualifying retirement account, giving you greater flexibility in managing your retirement assets. This can be particularly useful if you're seeking to balance between immediate access to funds and long-term growth potential.
To execute a partial 457 rollover, you'll need to follow the rules and consider the tax implications. It's a good idea to seek guidance from a trusted financial advisor to navigate these complexities.
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Plan Rules and Eligibility
You can roll over your 457(b) plan into most other retirement accounts, including a traditional IRA, a Roth IRA, another 457(b) plan, a 403(b), a 401(a) or a 401(k) plan.
The IRS sets specific guidelines on how and when you can move your funds, and understanding these rules is key to ensuring you make the most out of your retirement plan without facing unintended consequences.
Some 457(b) plans don't allow rollovers, but many do. If your plan permits it, you generally have the option to roll over your funds into another eligible retirement plan.

A direct rollover involves transferring your retirement funds directly from one qualified plan to another without the money passing through your hands. This method is preferable as it avoids mandatory tax withholding and potential penalties associated with indirect rollovers.
You can roll over some or all of your funds, but the process will differ from plan to plan. If you're looking to roll funds into a MissionSquare account, contact us.
Here are some plans you can roll over into:
You can't roll funds over from your 457(b) plan if you're still employed by, or “in-service” with the company offering the plan. Some plans may allow an in-service withdrawal once you've reached a certain age.
Tax Implications
Tax implications can be complex, but it's essential to understand them before making a 457(b) rollover decision. Generally, a direct rollover from a 457(b) plan to another qualified retirement plan like a 401(k), another 457(b), or an IRA is tax-deferred.
If you roll over funds to a traditional IRA, you won't face an immediate tax bill, and you'll only pay taxes when you start taking distributions during retirement. However, if you roll over funds to a Roth IRA, you'll need to pay taxes on the converted amount at your current income tax rate.
The timing of your rollover can also impact taxes. Executing a rollover when your income is lower, such as between jobs or on a sabbatical, might result in paying taxes at a lower rate. This strategic timing can optimize your tax situation both now and in the future.
Not all 457(b) plans are created equal, and the type of plan you have can affect your rollover options. Governmental 457(b) plans have more flexibility with rollovers compared to non-governmental 457(f) plans, which are subject to different rules and potential penalties.
It's crucial to approach a 457(b) rollover with a solid understanding of your current financial situation and future goals. A careful review of your options with a professional can help you avoid unexpected taxes and penalties while aligning with your long-term financial objectives.
Benefits and Planning

Rolling over a 457(b) plan to an IRA can provide a broader range of investment options, potentially leading to better growth opportunities for your retirement savings.
This move can also simplify your finances by consolidating your retirement savings into one account, making it easier to track your investments and adjust your strategy as needed.
Tax planning plays a crucial role in the decision to rollover a 457(b) plan, and moving your funds into an IRA could open up new opportunities for Roth conversions, which might be particularly advantageous if you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement.
Consider your unique financial situation, retirement goals, and the potential tax implications of a rollover before making a decision.
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Benefits of Rolling a Plan into an IRA
Rolling a plan into an IRA can be a smart move for your retirement strategy. This move can provide you with a broader range of investment options, potentially leading to better growth opportunities for your retirement savings.

Unlike 457(b) plans, which might have limited investment choices, IRAs typically offer access to a vast array of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs. This diversity allows you to tailor your investments more closely to your personal risk tolerance and financial goals.
A 457(b) rollover to an IRA can also simplify your finances by consolidating your retirement savings into one account. This can reduce the hassle of managing multiple accounts, making it easier to track your investments and adjust your strategy as needed.
Tax planning also plays a crucial role in the decision to rollover a 457(b) plan. Moving your funds into an IRA could open up new opportunities for Roth conversions, which might be particularly advantageous if you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement.
Here are some key benefits of rolling a 457(b) plan into an IRA:
- Tax-deferred growth: Rolling over a 457(b) plan to an IRA generally does not trigger immediate taxes.
- Broader investment options: IRAs typically offer access to a vast array of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs.
- Simplified account management: Consolidating your retirement savings into one account can reduce the hassle of managing multiple accounts.
- Potential for Roth conversions: Moving your funds into an IRA could open up new opportunities for Roth conversions.
Ultimately, rolling a 457(b) plan into an IRA can be a game-changer for your retirement strategy, offering flexibility, control, and customization that can significantly impact your financial future.
Planning While Employed

You can't roll over a 457(b) plan while still employed with the organization that sponsors your plan, unless your plan has specific rules that allow for in-service distributions.
Some 457(b) plans, particularly those offered by government entities, have strict rules about when you can access your funds. You may need to reach a specific age, face a severe financial hardship, or meet other qualifying circumstances to access your funds while still employed.
The rules can vary significantly between governmental 457(b) plans and non-governmental 457(b) plans, also known as 457(f) plans. The latter often have fewer restrictions on in-service distributions but come with their own set of complexities, especially around taxation.
It's essential to review your specific plan's rules or speak with a knowledgeable financial advisor who can provide guidance tailored to your situation. They can help you understand your plan's provisions for in-service distributions and the tax implications of a rollover.
You may be able to roll over part of your 457(b) while still contributing to it, but this depends on your plan's specific rules and circumstances.
Funds and Limits
Funds from other employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as 401(a), 401(k), 403(b), and governmental 457(b) plans, can be rolled over into your DCP account.
To initiate a rollover, you'll need to fill out and submit a Rollover/Plan Transfer Contribution Form, contact your previous provider to initiate the rollover, and may need the DCP to sign off or provide a letter. If you have questions or need assistance, you can contact a DCP Local Retirement Counselor.
Funds rolled over from one retirement account to another do not count toward the account's yearly contribution limit.
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Funds from Other Plans
If you're looking to bring in funds from other employer-sponsored plans into your retirement account, you're in luck. Funds from 401(a), 401(k), 403(b), and governmental 457(b) plans are all eligible for rollover into your account.
To initiate the rollover process, you'll need to fill out and submit a Rollover/Plan Transfer Contribution Form. This form will help guide you through the next steps, which typically involve contacting your previous provider to initiate the rollover. You may need to have the DCP sign off or provide a letter to facilitate the transfer.
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You can roll over assets from a 457(b) plan into most other retirement accounts, including a traditional IRA, a Roth IRA, or another 457(b) plan. Here's a breakdown of the possible rollover options:
You can roll over some or all of your funds, but the process will differ from plan to plan. If you're looking to roll funds into a MissionSquare account, you'll need to contact them directly.
Partial Calculation
Calculating the right amount for a partial rollover can be a bit tricky, but understanding the rules can make a big difference.
The amount you can roll over is limited to the funds in your 457(b) plan, and you can only roll over a portion of those funds to an IRA or another eligible retirement plan.
To determine how much to roll over, consider your financial goals and tax situation. A partial rollover can help you diversify your investments and manage your tax implications more effectively.

Here are some key factors to consider when calculating your partial rollover:
Keep in mind that the tax implications of a partial rollover will depend on the type of IRA you roll into. If you roll over to a traditional IRA, you won't pay taxes on the rolled-over amount now, but distributions in retirement will be subject to income tax. If you roll over to a Roth IRA, you'll owe taxes on the rolled-over amount now, but qualified withdrawals in the future will be tax-free.
Key Information
You can't rollover a distribution from a nongovernmental 457(b) plan, but you can from a governmental 457(b) plan. Eligible plans for rollover purposes are only those of governmental entities.
If you have a nongovernmental 457(b) plan, you can only defer taxes by doing a direct transfer to another 457(b) plan of a tax-exempt entity. This requires the transferor plan to provide for transfers and the receiving plan to allow the receipt of transfers.
To do a transfer, the participant or beneficiary must have an amount deferred immediately after the transfer equal to the amount deferred before the transfer. Additionally, the participant must have had a severance from employment with the transferring employer and be performing services for the entity maintaining the receiving plan.
Here's a summary of the requirements for a transfer:
- Transferor plan provides for transfers;
- Receiving plan provides for the receipt of transfers;
- Participant or beneficiary will have an amount deferred immediately after the transfer at least equal to the amount deferred before the transfer;
- Participant has had a severance from employment with the transferring employer and is performing services for the entity maintaining the receiving plan.
Roth and IRA Options
A rollover from a 457(b) plan to a Roth IRA is taxable.
If you're planning to rollover from a 457(b) to a Roth IRA, be aware that the taxable amount cannot be greater than the total distribution.
You should check your 1040 form to see if the taxable amount is being processed correctly, specifically looking at lines 5a and 5b.
If your 1099-R says the taxable amount is zero, it's weird and might indicate that you didn't pay taxes on the money that you put into the 457(b).
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A box on the 1099-R that says 'taxable amount not determined' could mean the managers of your 457(b) plan are being lazy or the money was rolled over into a traditional IRA instead of a Roth IRA.
It's possible that the rollover was done incorrectly if your 1099-R says the gross distribution amount was different from the taxable amount listed on your 1040.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I avoid tax on my 457b withdrawal?
To avoid tax on your 457(b) withdrawal, you must wait at least 5 years after your first contribution or conversion, and the withdrawal must be due to death, disability, or retirement. Meeting these conditions can make your Roth 457(b) distribution tax-free.
Can I contribute to an IRA if I have a 457B?
Yes, you can contribute to an IRA even if you have a 457(b) plan through your employer, but there are some details to consider. Check the fine print to see if your IRA contribution is affected.
What is the penalty for withdrawing from a 457b?
There is no 10% early withdrawal penalty for distributions from a 457(b) plan. However, you may still be subject to mandatory federal tax withholding on these distributions.
What happens to 457 when I leave your employer?
When you leave your employer, your 457(b) plan assets become available for withdrawal, allowing you to access your retirement savings. This is a key benefit of a 457(b) plan, but it's essential to understand the rules and options for accessing your funds
What is the difference between a 401k and 457 plan?
Differences between 401(k) and 457 plans include the availability of a 3-year Pre-Retirement Catch-Up and early withdrawal penalties. 401(k) plans have a 10% penalty for early distributions before age 59½, while 457 plans generally do not
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