401k after tax in-plan Roth 401K Conversions

[Joe M NC]

I am 65 with a Roth IRA that I started contributing to over 10 years ago. I also have a Roth 401k from an employer that I no longer work for as of September 2024. I started contributing to the Roth 401k in 2013. During 2024 I made several after tax contributions to my 401k which were immediately converted to the Roth 401k.  

I am ready to roll over the Roth 401k money to my Roth IRA. If I move the Roth 401k money that was originally after tax contributions along with all my normal Roth 401k money will it have an adverse effect on my Roth IRA? I am specifically asking how the 5 year rule on the 401k In-Plan conversion to Roth 401k will effect my original Roth IRA.

[JandKit]

Hi Joe M NC,

This is an interesting question. When you roll over your Roth 401(k) to your Roth IRA, the 5-year rule for the Roth IRA applies to the amount converted. This means that the converted amount will be subject to the Roth IRA 5-year rule for tax-free withdrawals of earnings. You indicate that you started contributing to your Roth IRA over 10 years ago, and it meets the 5-year rule for tax-free withdrawals. However, the Roth 401(k) funds converted in 2024 will have their own 5-year clock starting from the date of the conversion.

Conclusion:

the original Roth IRA funds will not be affected, but the converted Roth 401(k) funds will have a separate 5-year period before you can withdraw the earnings tax-free.

Good luck to you!