TaxMama Logo TaxMama Logo
TaxMama Logo TaxMama Logo
TaxMama Logo TaxMama Logo
TaxMama Logo TaxMama Logo
Ask TaxMama.Com
Tax Information With A Mother's Touch

Published by Eva Rosenberg, MBA, EA
Resources For Tax Pros Tools FAQs Relax Site Search

This Week's Issue
arrow Suddenly Employee
arrow 401K Down
arrow Inept Tax Assessor
arrow When Payroll Taxes
Are Due
arrow Incorporating
arrow Foreign Extensions
 
IRS News
arrow Free Tax Software
For You?
arrow IRS Publication 3991 Highlights
 
Money Funnies
arrow Travel Expenses
 
Investment Secrets
Tootin` Her Own Horn
Free Workshops
Previous Issues
Our Privacy Policy

Office Max
E-Mail 
This Page To A Friend
Your email:
Your name:
TO email:
401K Down


» From: San Juan, Puerto Rico

Dear TaxMama:

Really appreciate your tax assistance.

I have $40,000 in a 401k from a previous job. Would like to use it as downpayment on a home purchase.

If I do that, will there be an IRS Penalty, or is that type of use allowed without the withdrawal penalty?

Thanks again,

Keith

TaxMama Replies
Hi Keith,

You must have access to cheaper money. Really.

If you draw the money, yes, there will be both taxes and a penalty.

If you roll the account over to an IRA, you can draw up to $10,000 without IRS penalties. But, you'll still have taxes due - at least 25% - plus any Puerto Rico taxes.

If you can borrow money, you'd pay about 8% - and the interest will be deductible.

There is ONE strategy that won't cost you taxes, penalty or interest. But you'd have to be VERY careful to get it right.

Roll the money into an IRA. Draw the money from the IRA for the down payment at the very last possible moment. Fund the escrow/buy the property.

IMMEDIATELY get an equity line on the property and PUT THE MONEY BACK into the IRA in less than 60 days.

Do that, and you've got it made. Miss it by even one day, and ....

Best wishes,

Eva Rosenberg
Your TaxMama

TaxMama's Honor Plan

Because We Care

Bring Humor to your working life - I-Laugh




Print a printer friendly version of this issue



Library of Congress - 
ISSN 1532-0790
Copyright © 2000-2009 -
Eva Rosenberg
Subscribe | Ask TaxMama ~ Send Her Your Questions | Site Search
Home | This Week's Issue | Articles by TaxMama | For Tax Pros
Investment Secrets | IRS News | Critical Dates
Using Money Wisely | Money Funnies & Inspiration | Because We Care
About TaxMama | Our Privacy Policy | Legalese and Disclaimer |
Serenata Design
Certain graphics on this site were created especially for TaxMama by Serenata of Serenata Design. Site design & maintenance by Serenata Design.