Many individuals have worked for different companies throughout the years and may have had a 401(k) plan worth a small amount of money when they left. Some people lose track of these accounts over the years or find that their plan was transferred to another administrator. Sometimes, in such a case, the administrator may not be able to locate the plan. Unfortunately, there is no central repository for missing 401(k) funds to date.
Many individuals have worked for different companies throughout the years and may have had a 401(k) plan worth a small amount of money when they left. Some people lose track of these accounts over the years or find that their plan was transferred to another administrator. Sometimes, in such a case, the administrator may not be able to locate the plan. Unfortunately, there is no central repository for missing 401(k) funds to date.
The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation is responsible for safeguarding traditional pensions. There is a proposal by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation to hold orphaned 401(k) funds from closed plans which would start in 2018. Senator Steve Daines and Senator Elizabeth Warren proposed that the IRS establish an online database that would allow individuals to locate 401(k) plans and pension plans from open and closed accounts.
If an individual’s 401(k) balance was less than $5,000 at the time they left a company, it is possible that a forced IRA transfer took place. This means that the money would be housed with a small accounts financial services firm. When an employer cannot locate an individual and they proceed to close the account, the money may be transferred to a bank account, IRA, or state escheat office. If this took place, a person has the option to contact the state escheat office to locate the unclaimed money. Another option is, if the employer is still in business, an individual may contact them directly to see what happened to the account. Further, if the company no longer exists, the United States Department of Labor may be able to help track down the money.
Tracking down lost retirement accounts can be a tedious process. That is why it is of utmost importance to always keep track of retirement plans. There are many instances when employers may allow their employees to transfer old 401(k) accounts into their plan, or roll the money into an IRA. It is important to hold onto retirement money and consistently keep track of it, rather than attempting to locate it years later.
Maintaining good records is an important aspect of estate planning. If you or a loved one needs assistance tracking down a retirement account, or any other aspect of estate planning or elder law, contact the experienced elder law attorneys at Hobson-Williams, P.C. for the representation you deserve and to ensure that your future plans are carried out. Call us today at (718) 210-4744 for more information or to schedule a consultation.
Written by Tanya Hobson Williams
Appointed to the bench by the Board of Trustees in 2008, and elected in 2009, Tanya Hobson-Williams was the first African-American Female Justice in the Incorporated Village of Hempstead. Tanya Hobson–Williams obtained her B.A. in Government and Politics from St. John’s University and her law degree from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.
Tanya Hobson-Williams has an active elder law practice assisting senior citizens in obtaining Medicaid for Home Care and Nursing Home Care. She routinely lectures at senior citizen centers, assisted living facilities, law schools and counsels families on a variety of topics of concerns to families caring for the elderly.
