The Roth 401(k) Option – Making the 401(k) a More Flexible Retirement Tool

The Roth 401(k) Option – Making the 401(k) a More Flexible Retirement Tool

The Roth 401(k) option combines elements of a traditional 401(k) plan and a Roth IRA to offer employees an alternative method of saving for retirement. With this option, employee contributions are made on an after-tax basis and income on contributions is not taxed while in the plan.

However, income on contributions may be withdrawn tax-free as long as the withdrawal occurs more than five years after the first Roth Contribution and after age 59 ½ or upon death or disability. The Roth 401(k) option is an addition to a traditional 401(k) plan meaning that while all employees may still make traditional pre-tax contributions, certain employees, who could benefit from after-tax Roth 401(k) contributions, now have another option.

The employees who would most likely benefit from this option are:

  • Owners and individuals whose Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) restricts them from contributing to a Roth IRA

  • Those who expect to be in the same or a higher tax bracket when they retire

  • Those that are young enough to have years for their contributions to generate tax-free earnings

  • Those that would rather contribute after-tax dollars (in essence paying taxes now rather than later) and will meet the tax law requirements that will allow them to withdraw their contribution earnings tax free

  • Those looking for greater flexibility with respect to estate and retirement planning

This option is simply another way to save for retirement. As seen from above many employees would benefit from this option and would appreciate the added flexibility it gives them in saving for retirement.

The Roth 401(k) option is just one of the many flexible plan design options that NADA Retirement Administrators, Inc. (NADART), retirement plan administrators for the automobile industry and other small businesses, offer to its plan sponsors. NADART (http://www.nadart.org/) has been administering pension, 401(k), and profit-sharing plans since 1957. Compare NADART retirement plans at http://retirement.nadart.org/

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