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December 17, 2015

72(t), SEPP Distributions from 401(k)

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72(t), SEPP Distributions from 401(k)

I would like to take 72(t) payments from my 401(k) plan, but I have received conflicting information as to whether this can be done from a retirement account that is not an IRA. What is the right answer?

72(t) payments – also referred to as Substantially Equal Periodic Payments (SEPP) can be taken from IRAs, qualified plans-including 401(k) plans, and 403(b) accounts. However, while 72(t) payments can be taken from IRAs at any time, they can be taken from qualified plans and 403(b) accounts only after the participant has separated from service with the employer that sponsored the plan. Therefore, if you are still employed by the company that sponsored your 401(k) plan, you cannot take 72(t) payments from that account.  But, if you are no longer employed by that company, then you may be able to take 72(t) payments from the account.

Please contact our office to help you determine if a 72(t) payment program is suitable for you.

Written By

Denise Appleby

Denise is CEO of Appleby Retirement Consulting Inc., a firm that provides IRA resources for financial/ tax/legal professionals. She has over 20 years of experience in the retirement plans field, which includes training and technical consultation.

Denise writes and publishes educational /marketing tools for advisors; available at http://irapublications.com. Denise co-authored several books on IRAs

Denise is a graduate of The John Marshall Law School, where she obtained a Masters of Jurisprudence in Employee Benefits, and has earned 5 professional retirement designations.
She has appeared on numerous media programs, sharing her insights on retirement tax laws.

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