A 401(k) in-plan Roth conversion (also called an 'in-plan Roth rollover') allows MASSMutual employees to transfer the non-Roth portion of your 401(k) account into a designated Roth account within the same plan. The amount that MASSMutual employees convert is subject to federal income tax in the year of the conversion (except for any nontaxable basis you have in the amount transferred), but qualified distributions from the Roth account in the future are entirely income tax-free. The 10% early distribution penalty doesn't apply to amounts you convert (but that tax may be reclaimed by the IRS if you take a non-qualified distribution from your Roth account within five years of the conversion).

What part of my account can I convert? 
Assuming your MASSMutual 401(k) allows in-plan conversions (plans aren't required to), you can convert any vested part of your 401(k) plan account into a designated Roth account regardless of whether you're otherwise eligible for a plan distribution.


Keep in mind that if you're entitled to an eligible rollover distribution, you can always roll those dollars into a Roth IRA instead of using an in-plan conversion.

What else do I need to know?

If you have the choice of an in-plan conversion or a rollover to a Roth IRA, which should you choose? There are a number of factors to consider:

• In general, the investments available in an employer 401(k) plan are fairly limited, while virtually and type of investment is available in an IRA (on the other hand, your 401(k) plan may offer investments that you can't replicate in an IRA, or that aren't available at similar cost).
• An IRA may give you more flexibility with distributions. Your distribution options in a 401(k) plan depend on the terms of that particular plan, and your options may be limited.
• Finally, 401(k) plans typically enjoy more protection from creditors under federal law than do IRAs (consult a professional if creditor protection is important to you).

Caution: When evaluating whether to initiate a rollover from an employer plan to an IRA, always be sure to (1) ask about possible surrender charges that may be imposed by your employer plan, or new surrender charges that your IRA may impose, (2) compare investment fees and expenses charged by your IRA (and investment funds) with those charged by your employer plan (if any), and (3) understand any accumulated rights or guarantees that you may be giving up by transferring funds out of your employer plan.

Before rolling over your 401(k), take stock of the broader benefit structure MASSMutual has in place for you. According to publicly available information, MASSMutual maintains an active defined benefit pension plan, which provides retirement income based on factors such as years of service and compensation history. MASSMutual does not appear to offer a formal retiree healthcare program, making healthcare coverage planning an important consideration if you retire before age 65. Putting your MASSMutual benefits into the framework of a holistic retirement income plan reveals how each piece supports the others.