turbotax icon
turbotax icon
turbotax icon
turbotax icon
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Announcements
Close icon
Do you have a TurboTax Online account?

We'll help you get started or pick up where you left off.

Do I need to enter 401k from previous employer if I haven't contributed anything since leaving?

Hi there, hoping this will make sense... So I left a job 2 years ago and still have the 401k there. My new employer does not offer 401k's, so I don't have one with my new job.  Am I still supposed to enter/declare/whatever you call it, my "old" 401k even though there have been no contributions to it?? Thank you for any help!

Connect with an expert
x
Do you have an Intuit account?

Do you have an Intuit account?

You'll need to sign in or create an account to connect with an expert.

6 Replies

Do I need to enter 401k from previous employer if I haven't contributed anything since leaving?

You have nothing to report ... a dormant 401K account is just that.   Nothing went in and nothing came out. 

Do I need to enter 401k from previous employer if I haven't contributed anything since leaving?

You have nothing to enter about a 401k from your old employer unless you take the money out of the account.  If you just leave it alone, you do not have to enter anything about it on a tax return.   If/when you ever take the money out, then you will have something to enter on a tax return.  

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**

Do I need to enter 401k from previous employer if I haven't contributed anything since leaving?

You only enter 401K contributions from a W2.  If you didn't contribute to the 401K you don't report it unless you got a 1099R for a distribution, withdrawal or rollover.    

Do I need to enter 401k from previous employer if I haven't contributed anything since leaving?

Thanks so much!

Do I need to enter 401k from previous employer if I haven't contributed anything since leaving?

Great, thank you!!

Do I need to enter 401k from previous employer if I haven't contributed anything since leaving?

In addition to the above:

 

You have the option of rolling over the 401k into a private IRA, once you leave service.  You can open an IRA at almost any bank or stockbroker. The main difference is that with an IRA, you have complete freedom to invest in anything you want, while the employer may limit the allowable investments in a 401k.  On the other hand, large employers can negotiate lower fees so the mutual funds they offer may have lower built in expenses.  Also, the rules regarding the 10% penalty for withdrawing funds before age 59-1/2 are somewhat different between a 401k and an IRA.  

 

Some employers may force you to close your 401k after leaving service, especially if the balance is small.  In that case, if you roll over the funds to an IRA, you continue to save the money for retirement and don't have to pay taxes or penalties.

 

Lastly, if you decide to keep the 401k as-is, be sure to log into your account at least once a year to let them know you're alive and keep your phone, address and email updated.  If they don't hear from you after a set period of time, your funds could go to your state's unclaimed funds program.  

Manage cookies