Critical Rules for Moving Retirement Accounts for Owners: Transfers, Rollovers, Roth Conversions

One of the most inevitable transactions that will occur in a retirement account is movement of assets, whether between accounts at the same or different financial institutions, or between identical or different types of accounts.

The type of asset movement used can determine whether the movement preserves the tax-deferred status of the account, whether the movement results in unintended distributions and whether the asset movement results in avoidable excise taxes and penalties.

Advisors who understand the rules that apply to these asset movements are better equipped to help their clients use portability strategies that produce intended results. They would be able to help their clients implement strategies can help clients avoid costly mistakes, which range from loss of tax planning opportunities to loss of tax deferred status. Join Denise Appleby, national IRA expert, to learn how you can help clients protect their retirement assets from these mistakes.

• Part 1: Rollovers and transfers for owner accounts
• Part 2: Rollovers and transfers for inherited accounts

Bonus: Appleby’s Quick Reference Guide (Chart Sheet) on the transfer and rollover rules for IRAs and Employer Plans