topic A distribution was made to me from a 401k plan from a former employer, but I didn't want the distribution. Can I send the check back? in Retirement tax questions

A distribution was made to me from a 401k plan from a former employer, but I didn't want the distribution. Can I send the check back?

christianabarder — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 13:09:14 GMT

Re: A distribution was made to me from a 401k plan from a former employer, but I didn't want the distribution. Can I send the check back?

DoninGA — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 03:32:19 GMT

No. The are various reasons the former employer had to distribute the funds from a 401(k). If you believe the employer erroneously distributed the fund to you then you will need to contact the employer or the plan administrator.

Re: A distribution was made to me from a 401k plan from a former employer, but I didn't want the distribution. Can I send the check back?

dmertz — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 03:36:21 GMT

You have 60 days to complete a rollover of the distribution to an IRA or another qualified retirement account. This would have been explained in the notice that your employer was required to provide to you before making the distributions. To complete the rollover of the entire gross amount you'll need to substitute other funds for the portion withheld for taxes. If it has been more than 60 days since you received the distribution, it's too late to do a rollover.

401(k) plan agreements generally require employer to make such a distribution when your balance in the 401(k) is less that $5,000. You can't send the check back.

Re: A distribution was made to me from a 401k plan from a former employer, but I didn't want the distribution. Can I send the check back?

VolvoGirl — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 03:34:12 GMT

You have 60 days to roll it into an IRA account. When did you get it? Did they take any taxes out of it? You need to file the 1099R you will get for it.