10 preguntas frecuentes sobre el plan 401k
Los planes 401(k) son los planes de jubilación de aportación definida más comunes en EE.UU. El problema es que no todos los trabajadores entienden bien cómo funcionan. Para ayudar a aclarar cómo funcionan y cómo pueden servir de poderosa herramienta de ahorro para la jubilación, he aquí algunas preguntas y respuestas frecuentes.
1. ¿Es posible gastar parte de mi 401(k) antes de la jubilación?
Using funds from your 401(k) isn’t cut and dry. There are variables. Common exemptions to early-withdrawal penalties including first-time home buying and college expenses, apply strictly to IRAs not 401(k)s. Some cases where it is possible to withdraw funds from your 401(k) include withdrawing money for medical bills that go beyond 10% of your adjusted gross income. Individuals with permanent disabilities may also withdraw from the account with no penalties.
2. ¿Qué ocurre si me jubilo anticipadamente?
If you decide to retire before 59 1/2, you can withdraw funds from your 401(k) without penalties under certain circumstances. These include if the “separation from service” rule allows you to stop working for your employer after you turn 55 and receive your funds. Regardless if you’re fired, laid off or retire. You may be able to tap into the IRS’ substantially equal periodic payment known as (SEPP), wherein you agree to withdraw funds based on your life expectancy as calculated by the IRS.
3. ¿Cuál es el importe máximo que puedo aportar a mi plan 401(k)?
In regards to the 2017 tax year, the IRS’ elective deferral limit for 401(k)s is $18,000, with each payment of $6,000 beyond that only being accepted by individuals 50 years and older. This amount doesn’t include employer contributions, automatic contributions, or other types of 401(k) contributions. The maximum amount for all source contributions is $54,000 for individuals under 50 and $60,000 for those over age 50
4. ¿Cuál es una buena cantidad para aportar a mi plan 401(k)?
There is no hard and fast rule to how much you should contribute. However, at the very least you want to contribute enough to take advantage of your employer’s matching program. Putting in less than that is like throwing away free money. Calculate how much you’ll earn by retirement and if it isn’t enough, start contributing more.
5. What does “vested” mean?
Vesting means that you own the money you put into your 401(k). While you 100% own your elective contributions, your employer’s contributions could be supervised by certain rules. Check with your employer to see what rules may be governing your contributions.
6. ¿Es posible pedir un préstamo con cargo a mi 401(k)?
Si su empresa le permite tomar dinero prestado de su plan 401(k), puede hacerlo, pero probablemente tendrá que devolverlo con intereses. Puede pedir prestado hasta la mitad de su saldo o $50.000, lo que sea menor. Sin embargo, por lo general se recomienda evitar tomar dinero prestado de su 401(k) debido al crecimiento compuesto y a las fuertes penalizaciones.
7. ¿Qué pasa con mi plan 401(k) de mi anterior empresa?
There are multiple options for your old 401(k) account. You may choose to leave it as is, only if it has a minimum threshold of $5,000. Another option is to roll it into an IRA. Finally, you may have the option to put it into your current employer plan. Cashing out is another option, but it’s generally recommended against.
8. ¿Cuál es la mejor manera de invertir mi 401(k)?
Aunque no hay una forma clara de decirle cómo invertir en sus 401(k)s, debería poder establecer una asignación de activos. Esto le permite dictar cuánto dinero debe estar en efectivo, bonos y acciones. Investigue qué tipo de inversiones están disponibles a través de su plan para obtener más información.
9. ¿Es posible cotizar a la vez a una cuenta IRA y a un plan 401(k)?
Yes, you can contribute to both. However, your income will dictate if you can take a tax deduction for traditional IRA contributions or if it’s possible to contribute to a Roth IRA at all. If your adjusted gross income is less than $62,000, and you’re single, you can deduct all of your IRA contributions.
10. ¿Puedo obtener una reducción fiscal por mis aportaciones al plan 401(k)?
Absolutely! 401(k) contributions are excluded from federally taxable income. They don’t come off your Social Security or Medicare taxes, but nonetheless this is still an excellent deduction. Additionally, you don’t have to itemize deductions to enjoy the perks. Your W-2 will show your 401(k) contributions automatically.
Have more questions that aren’t answered here? Then please contact our team. We’re happy to help you make the best retirement decisions.
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