Planning Tool · Rollover Decisions

Retirement Rollover
Analyzer

Decide whether to roll your old 401(k), 403(b), or pension into an IRA or your new employer’s plan. Compare tax treatment, investment options, fees, creditor protection, and RMD rules side by side — so you can move your money with confidence.

HOW TO USE THIS TOOL

01

Select your current account type (401k, 403b, pension, or other) and its approximate balance.

02

Indicate your age, filing status, and whether your new employer offers a qualified plan.

03

Answer questions about your investment preferences, fee sensitivity, and legal protection needs.

04

The analyzer scores each rollover option and recommends the path best suited to your situation.

1 Account Selection
Rollover Eligibility
Yes, you can
2 Investor Profile
3 Tax Consequences & Withholding
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5 FINRA Reg BI — Four Options to Evaluate
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Per FINRA Regulatory Notice 13-45 and SEC Regulation Best Interest, broker-dealers must evaluate the pros and cons of all four distribution options — not just recommend an IRA rollover.
Option 1
Leave in Former Employer's Plan
✓ ERISA creditor protection · May have lower institutional fees · Possible access to stable value funds
✗ Limited investment choices · No new contributions · May lose plan access over time
Option 2
Roll to New Employer's Plan
✓ ERISA protection continues · Consolidation · Loan provisions may apply
✗ New plan must accept rollovers · Investment options vary · Less control than IRA
Option 3
Roll to an IRA
✓ Widest investment choices · Full control · Roth conversion flexibility
✗ May lose age 55 penalty exception · State-level creditor protection varies · Potentially higher fees
Option 4
Take a Taxable Distribution
✓ Immediate access to funds · No ongoing restrictions
✗ Full income tax due · 10% early withdrawal penalty if under 59½ · 20% mandatory withholding · Permanently reduces retirement savings
Source: FINRA Regulatory Notice 13-45 · SEC Reg BI · FINRA Rule 2111
⚠ Important Disclaimer
This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice, tax advice, or a recommendation to take any specific action regarding retirement plan assets. Rollover eligibility is based on the IRS Rollover Chart (IRS.gov/pub/irs-tege/rollover_chart.pdf) and applicable IRS publications (Pub. 590-A, 590-B, 575, Topic 413). Tax rules are complex and individual circumstances vary. Consult a qualified tax professional, financial advisor, or attorney before making rollover decisions. This tool does not account for all possible situations, plan-specific restrictions, or state tax implications.

Sources: IRS Publication 590-A (2025) · IRS Publication 590-B (2025) · IRS Topic 413 · IRS Notice 2014-54 · IRS Notice 2024-02 · IRC §72(t) · FINRA Rule 2111 · FINRA Regulatory Notice 13-45 · SEC Regulation Best Interest · SECURE 2.0 Act §107, §332(b)