# How to change a 401k into an IRA?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-change-a-401k-into-an-ira/719526>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [May 8, 2015, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-change-a-401k-into-an-ira/719526 "2015-05-08T00:16:33Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 4

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**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\
**Post date:** [May 21, 2015, 11:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-change-a-401k-into-an-ira/719526/61 "2015-05-21T11:45:14Z")

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> [@TimeWinder](#):
>
> Yes. No employer I’ve ever worked at has allowed you to roll over 401k funds while still employed with them, unless the rules have recently changed.

It is allowable and it’s called an ‘in service distribution’. But very few plans allow for it. So check your plan.

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**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\
**Post date:** [May 21, 2015, 11:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-change-a-401k-into-an-ira/719526/62 "2015-05-21T11:46:21Z")

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> [@Dewey\_Finn](#):
>
> And if **DummyGladHands** isn’t still working there, can he move _some_ of the money out of the 401(k)? I thought you had to move all or nothing.

Yes, partial out of service distributions are generally allowed. I’ve done a few myself. But it’s rare that a client wants that.

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**Author:** ![DummyGladHands](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/49beb7/32.png) [@DummyGladHands](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DummyGladHands)\
**Post date:** [May 21, 2015, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-change-a-401k-into-an-ira/719526/63 "2015-05-21T14:14:40Z")

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Thanks, will check. Want to keep it open and continue contributions there for the employer match.

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**Author:** ![DummyGladHands](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/49beb7/32.png) [@DummyGladHands](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DummyGladHands)\
**Post date:** [May 21, 2015, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-change-a-401k-into-an-ira/719526/64 "2015-05-21T18:47:45Z")

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In-service distribution is approved.

Now, to that 1.5" of terms and conditions!

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