403(b) Distributions and Transfers

One of the big benefits of Roth IRAs is there are no minimum required distributions; that's not the case with 403(b) plans. If the plan was started before 1986, the help of the plan administrator is essential. In general, there are two minimum required distribution rules that apply to 403(b) accounts:

• A certain proportion, or possibly all, of interest accruing after 1986 in a 403(b) account must be withdrawn by April 1st of the calendar year in which the individual becomes age 70 1/2 or the year they retire, whichever is later.

• A minimum amount of the pre-1987 accruals must be distributed in the calendar year in which the individual reaches age 75, or April 1st of the calendar year following retirement, whichever is later. In each subsequent year, there is a minimum distribution that must be taken from a 403(b) account by the last calendar day of the year.

As mentioned, only a plan administrator can provide the exact process to follow, since the rules will depend on how the plan was established. If a required minimum distribution is not taken, then the accountholder may be subject to a non-deductible 50% excise tax on the difference between the required minimum distribution and the amount actually distributed. That can be a very expensive penalty to pay.

If an insurance company is in rehabilitation or insolvency, then it's possible to make a cash transfer to a 403(b) account and receive tax-free treatment. To make this cash transfer without incurring a penalty, the following steps must be taken:

1. Withdraw all cash to which the accountholder is entitled, or the maximum permitted by the state if that is less than the full amount.

2. Reinvest this cash distribution into a single policy issued by another insurance company, or a custodial account that is subject to the same or stricter distribution rules. This reinvestment must take place no more than 60 days after receiving the cash distribution.

3. Assign all future distribution rights to the new account if the full amount was not received due to the state restrictions mention in step 1.

Transfer of Information to Insurer

When making this type of cash transfer, the new insurer must be provided with a written statement that contains the following information:

• Amount of cash reinvested in the new contract.

• The amount invested in the old contract on the date the first distribution was received.

Transfer Information on Income Taxes

In addition to the information sent to an insurer, the income tax return for the year an individual first received a cash distribution must have attached to it:

• A copy of the statement provided to the new insurer.

• A statement that includes the words:

  • ELECTION UNDER REV. PROC. 92-44

  • The name of the company issuing the new contract, as well as the new policy number.

Finally, it's possible to make a direct trustee-to-trustee transfer of a 403(b) account to another defined governmental benefit plan, and not include the transfer amount in gross income. Two scenarios that apply to this non-includable transfer include:

• To purchase permissive service credits.

• To repay contributions or earnings that was previously refunded under a forfeiture of service credit under a plan, or another plan maintained by a government employer within the same state.

Once again, these trustee transfers can be complex, so it's important to check with the plan administrator as to the type, and the extent, of service that may be purchased by this type of transfer. Getting the plan administrator involved will help complete all transactions in a timely manner, and avoid unnecessary tax penalties.