What is a 401k Rollover?
Over 60 million Americans are investing for their retirement through a 401K or similar retirement plan (403B, 457B). It is widely utilized because most Americans understand that the social security income in retirement won’t be enough to give them the lifestyle they want.
Why Use One?
While Americans can contribute earned income to an IRA, the 401K is an employer sponsored plan that usually has a contribution company match and a higher maximum contribution amount. It is $20,500.00 for 2022 compared to $6000/$7000 for an IRA. As an expat you will not be able to contribute to the 401K but still can contribute to the IRA.
How to Transfer a 401k
A 401K rollover is a direct transfer of funds from one US custodian to another. There is no tax implication since the funds never go directly to you. It is possible to consolidate multiple plans (401K,IRA,403B) into one IRA. It is important to mention that you can also rollover funds to a Roth IRA.
There is no time limit to rollover your 401k from a previous employer.
As an expat you can rollover your 403b to an IRA like you would with a 401k.