401(k) Distribution due to COVID and Your Taxes

The coronavirus certainly threw a monkey wrench in our finances this year, didn’t it? But there is some relief, if you or a household member lost their job, were furloughed, or had their work hours cut, and you took a 401(k) distribution. A special provision of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act lets you take up to $100,000 from your 401(k) or other retirement account before the end of 2020 without penalty.

Who Qualifies?

  • You, your spouse, or your dependent is tested and diagnosed with COVID-19.
  • You, your spouse, or a household member suffers financial hardship as a result of being quarantined, losing your job, having your hours or pay reduced, or having a job offer rescinded or delayed. Being unable to work because of lack of childcare counts as well.
  • You, your spouse, or household member closes their business or reduces business hours due to COVID-19.

Which Accounts Qualify?

  • Almost all retirement plans qualify for this temporary relief from penalties on early withdrawals, including all IRAs (traditional, Roth, SEP, SIMPLE, and SARSEP IRAs), 401(k) and 403(b) plans, pension and profit-sharing plans, governmental 457(b) plans, federal Thrift Savings Plans and 403(a) plans.

If you had a retirement stash you could draw from, this provision may have been a lifesaver for you.

Now, it’s time to start thinking about the tax consequences of those withdrawals

Wait, I thought the withdrawals were tax-free! Not quite. You don’t owe the 10% penalty for early withdrawal, but that doesn’t mean the distribution came to you scot-free. If your contributions to the retirement account were tax-deductible (what’s known as “before tax dollars”), then withdrawing the funds may have triggered tax.

Here’s the good news

It’s up to you as to how much is taxable and when that tax is due. Under the CARES Act, the income from withdrawals is spread over a three-year period. So, if you received a $9,000 distribution, you would report $3,000 in income on your federal income tax return for each of 2020, 2021, and 2022. But, if your income is super-low this year, you can elect to have it all taxed in 2020 at this year’s lower tax rates. Want to escape current taxation altogether? Repay the distribution within three years and you won’t owe income tax on the portion repaid.

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The information in this article for general educational purposes only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations. Please discuss your particular circumstances with an appropriate professional before taking action.