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View Full Version : Which on ehave less tax penalties: withdraw from IRA or 401K?


rlrlopez
Oct 24, 2008, 10:57 AM
New Employeer but need access to cash to purchase a home... should I Roll-over to an IRA and take the money from there or cash out now from the Old employeer 401k?

AtlantaTaxExpert
Oct 24, 2008, 12:16 PM
If this is your FIRST purchase of a home, roll the 401K into an IRA, then withdraw from the IRA.

Reason? You can withdraw up to $10,000 from an IRA to pay the costs of a first-time home without penalty. You will pay taxes on the withdrawal, but NOT the 10% Early withdrawal Penalty.

Now, another option is to roll the old 401K into the new 401K and then borrow from the 401K. This is especially a good option if you need MORE than $10,000 for the home purchase.