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Can You Roll Over a 403(b) to an IRA If You Are No Longer Employed?

If you are no longer working with the employer that established your 403(b) account, you can roll your 403(b) balance into a traditional individual retirement account (IRA).

Key Takeaways

  • If you change jobs or retire, you can roll over your 403(b) account balance into a traditional individual retirement account (IRA).
  • If you go to a new job that offers a 401(k) savings plan, you may be able to transfer the balance of your 403(b) account into it.
  • When you roll over your funds, always make sure it is sent via a direct transfer—that is, that the funds are sent by your 403(b) recordkeeper directly to the IRA custodian, without you handling any money or checks.
  • Often, a signed contribution form is the only item needed to deposit the funds into an IRA.

How to Roll Over Your Account

Generally, only a signed contribution form is required by the individual retirement account (IRA) custodian/trustee to deposit the funds into an IRA. However, you should consult with your IRA 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:custodian a♒bout their policies and procedures to prevent any unnecess𓃲ary delays.

You should also consult with your 403(b) plan administrator/carrier to ensure the proper paperwork is completed. You may need to complete a distribution request form in order to have the assets distributed. The administrator may also require an acceptance letter from your IRA custodian. The letter serves as a confirmation that the assets will be deposited in an eligible retireme𒁏nt plan.

If you are no longer working with the employer that established your 403(b) account, you can roll your 403(b) balance into an 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:individual retirement account (IRA). You can also roll over a 403(b) plan if you leave a job and the new employer offers a 401(k) instead of a 403(b).

Important

Individuals may consider rollin♎g over a 403(b) balance into an IRA to gain more investment options, as the choices in a 403(b) plan are sometimes limited in scope.

Rolling Over a 403(b)

Generally, only a signed contribution form is required by the IRA custodian or trustee to deposit the funds into an IRA. However, you should consult with your IRA custodian about their policieওs and procedures to preve𓄧nt any unnecessary delays.

You should also consult with your 403(b) plan administrator or carrier to ensure the proper paperwork is completed. You may need to complete a distribution request form in order to have the assets distribu⛄ted. The administrator may also require an accepta♎nce letter from your IRA custodian. The letter serves as a confirmation that the assets will be deposited in an eligible retirement plan.

Finally, make sure the transaction is processed as a "澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:direct rollover." This means that any funds distributed are made payable to your IRA custodian and are sent directly to them. If the funds are made payable to you, the 403(b) administrator is generally required to withhold at least 20% of the total amount for federal taxes.

How a 403(b) Works 

A 403(b) plan is a retirement account for employees of public schools and tax-exempt organizations. The 403(b) plan is similar to a 401(k). The contribution limit in 2025 for 403(b) plans is $23,500, up from $23,000 for 2024.

The 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:catch-up contribution for those age 50 and older remains $7,500 for 2025, the same as for 2024. Like a 401(k), a 403(b) can also have a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Roth option, and indivi🗹duals may have access to both a 401(k) and a 4✃03(b) plan, although this is rare.

Notably, 403(b) plans may also offer 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:matching contributions. These plans also tend to vest quicker than 401(k) funds. In certain cases, 403(b) plan participants can make additional catch-up contributions if they've worked with nonprofits or government agencies for more than 15 years.

In terms of withdrawals, fund withdrawals are subject to a 10% penalty if taken before age 59½. The penalty can be avoided if the individual leaves theꦰ employer at age 55 or older.

Some Downsides of 403(b) Accounts

One of the key reasons for rolling over a 403(b) balance into an IRA is to get more investment choices. Notably, 403(b) plans have a reputation for offering limited investment options when compared to other retirement plans, such as 401(k)s. And while 403(b) plans can offer both annuity contracts and mutual funds, many popular investments, such as individual stocks and real estate investment trusts (REITs) are not allowed in 403(b) accounts.

Advisor Insight

澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Nickolas Strain, CFP®, AIF®
Ha💙lbert🅠 Hargrove Global Advisors, LLC, Long Beach, CA

It's true that you can roll over the funds from your 403(b) plan into an IRA, but there a✃re a f🦩ew other options that you should think about as well. You can roll over the funds into another retirement plan, cash out your 403(b) plan, or keep the funds in the 403(b) plan. The decision will depend on your work situation, your investment experience, the costs of various investment choices, and your goals for investing the funds.

Be sure to research how much it will cost to invest. The internal expense ratio of the funds can vary significantly. You may also consider keeping the funds in your 403(b) plan if you are between jobs and do not want to actively manage your investments. You can usually keep the funds in your existing account if your balance is greater than $5,000.

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