Urgently Need Advise on my 401(a)

[jhandley]

I have a 401(a) in a company from which I retired four years ago. I am just now wanting to rollover the funds into an IRA. Are there any regulations that would keep me from a direct rollover? Could the 401(a) have been set up originally to first be turned into a fixed annuity before being released to me or an IRA with another investment company of my choice?

Would appreciate a response quickly.

[Martha]

A direct rollover should be fine. Often 401(a) plans had post tax employee contributions, which might complicate record keeping somewhat. The law may have required that the plan give an annuity option and a survivor annuity option and in that case you may need your spouse's consent to the rollover.

I am working from memory here, so check with your plan providers.

[jhandley]

I'm new at using a forum, so I hope you got my reply that I thought would go directly to you. Just in case you did not. Thank you for the explanation. I was hoping that it would be that way.