The pandemic threw many Americans and businesses for a loop, and many people struggled to stay on top of their bills and business expenses. The number of active business owners plummeted by three million from February to April 2020.

To provide people with additional Financial options, the federal government approved the CARES Act, which included the CARES Act 401(k) Withdrawal option. If you’ve heard about this withdrawal option and you want to learn more about it and how you can use it, continue reading below. This brief CARES Act guide will cover all you need to know about the 401(k) withdrawal option and who you can contact for more information….(read more)

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The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020, to provide relief to Americans affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the provisions of the CARES Act is the 401k withdrawal, which allows individuals to tap their retirement funds without penalty fees and taxes.

However, it is essential to understand the provisions of the CARES Act regarding the 401k withdrawal to avoid unintended financial consequences. Here is a complete guide to the CARES Act 401k Withdrawal:

Who Can Withdraw from the 401k?

Only individuals who meet specific qualifications can withdraw from their 401k under the provisions of the CARES Act. These qualifications include:

1. Those who are diagnosed with COVID-19.
2. Those who have a spouse or dependent diagnosed with COVID-19.
3. Those who experience adverse financial consequences due to the pandemic such as job loss, reduced work hours, or quarantine-related lack of childcare.

If you do not meet any of these qualifications, a 401k withdrawal may not be an option.

What Are the Withdrawal Limits?

Under the CARES Act, individuals can withdraw up to $100,000 from their 401k account. The limit applies to all qualified retirement accounts. Therefore, an individual cannot withdraw $100,000 from each retirement account.

Furthermore, the amount withdrawn should not exceed the amount of financial harm caused by the pandemic. This includes expenses like rent or mortgage payments, medical bills, or living expenses.

What Are the Tax Implications?

The CARES Act allows 401k withdrawals to be taxed over three years. This means that individuals can choose to spread the tax bill over three years, starting from the year of the withdrawal.

Also, individuals under the age of 59 1/2 will not be subjected to an early withdrawal penalty fee of 10% for withdrawals made to COVID-19 qualified individuals within 2020.

However, it is important to note that any 401k withdrawal will still be subject to income tax. Since the funds withdrawn will be taxed as ordinary income, the amount of withdrawal could affect an individual’s tax bracket. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals consult a tax professional before making any 401k withdrawals.

How to Withdraw from a 401k?

If an individual qualifies for a 401k withdrawal, they should contact their 401k plan administrator to initiate the process. The administrator will provide an application and the appropriate documentation required to process the request.

However, it is worth noting that 401k withdrawals should be the last resort for financial support during the pandemic. Individuals should explore all other options, such as accessing emergency savings or seeking financial assistance, before considering a 401k withdrawal.

Conclusion

The CARES Act provides financial relief to Americans affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The 401k withdrawal provision is intended to support individuals who experience adverse financial consequences during this period. However, it is essential to understand the provisions and limitations of the 401k withdrawal to avoid any unintended consequences in the future. Individuals should consider all options before making a withdrawal, and consult their financial and tax advisors before taking any action.

Comprehensive Guide to the CARES Act 401k Withdrawal appeared first on Inflation Protection.