401k Calculator & Guide
Estimate how much you could receive from a participant-paid 401(k) distribution, potential 20% federal withholding, the amount needed to roll over the full distribution and a simplified early-distribution tax illustration.
Enter an eligible taxable distribution to see a simplified participant-paid rollover illustration.
The calculator uses a simplified withholding model. It does not determine your actual federal or state income-tax liability, confirm rollover eligibility, calculate every early-distribution exception, or determine the tax treatment of every type of 401(k) money. Actual results depend on your distribution and individual situation.
The tool focuses on the mechanics of a participant-paid eligible distribution rather than attempting to calculate your complete tax return.
Start with the eligible taxable amount distributed from the 401(k).
A participant-paid eligible taxable distribution generally has 20% mandatory federal withholding.
An eligible participant-paid rollover generally must be completed within 60 days of receiving the distribution.
The calculator's withholding illustration applies to a distribution paid to the participant. A direct rollover works differently.
| Feature | Direct rollover | Indirect rollover |
|---|---|---|
| Who receives the money? | Receiving plan or IRA | Participant first |
| 20% mandatory withholding | Generally does not apply to the directly transferred amount | Generally applies to taxable eligible distributions paid to the participant |
| 60-day rule | No participant-held distribution period | Generally applies |
| Replacing withheld funds | Not applicable to the direct transfer | Generally necessary if the participant wants the full gross distribution rolled over |
| Participant handles funds | No | Yes |
These examples illustrate the mechanics only and are not predictions of an individual's final tax bill.
A $100,000 eligible taxable distribution paid to the participant could have $20,000 withheld. Rolling over the full $100,000 would generally require replacing the $20,000 from another source.
If the participant receives $80,000 after withholding and rolls over only $80,000, the $20,000 withheld generally remains outside the rollover and can become taxable.
A traditional pre-tax 401(k) amount converted to a Roth IRA generally creates taxable income on the untaxed conversion amount.
Eligible distribution requested.
Distribution paid to you with applicable withholding.
Eligible amount rolled over within the applicable deadline.
A rollover is not automatically taxable simply because money leaves one retirement account. The tax result depends on what is distributed, where it goes and whether the rollover is completed correctly.
A qualifying rollover from a traditional 401(k) to a traditional IRA or eligible traditional plan generally preserves tax deferral.
401(k) to IRA →Untaxed traditional 401(k) money converted to a Roth IRA generally becomes taxable income in the conversion year.
Roth IRA Rollover →A taxable eligible distribution that is not rolled over generally becomes taxable income.
Rollover Tax Guide →Confirm that the distribution is eligible for rollover.
Check for traditional, Roth and after-tax money.
Confirm the receiving plan or IRA accepts the rollover.
Compare a direct rollover with a participant-paid 60-day rollover.
Save the distribution statement and rollover confirmation.
Complete overview of your rollover options.
Learn how direct transfers work and why withholding generally does not apply.
Learn about the 60-day rule and 20% withholding.
Understand taxable amounts, withholding and Roth conversions.
Explore traditional IRA rollover mechanics.
Understand the taxable conversion side of a Roth rollover.
Review options for an old employer retirement account.
Explore rollover treatment for designated Roth 401(k) money.
Use the calculator to understand the basic numbers, then explore the rollover guides for the tax and account-specific details.
Clear guides, useful calculators and practical retirement resources to help you understand your 401(k), contributions, employer matching, Roth options, rollovers and long-term savings.
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