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Frequently Asked Questions
IRA Questions Rollover Questions General Questions

1. What is a Rollover?

A Rollover is the process of moving your retirement account with a previous employer into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Rolling over to an IRA allows you to keep your account tax-deferred.

To learn more about how to roll over your retirement account into an IRA, see #3 below, "How do I roll over my retirement plan to ING DIRECT or ShareBuilder?"

2. Why roll over my retirement plan?

When you change jobs, it's easy to forget about your retirement account. Rolling over your 401(k), 403(b) or another retirement account into an IRA allows you to take charge and actively manage your retirement account. It also allows you to keep your retirement money in a tax-deferred account.

3. How do I roll over my retirement plan to ING DIRECT or ShareBuilder?

If you don't have one already, the first step is to open an IRA. Then, follow the instructions below to roll over your retirement plan from a previous employer.

Savings Accounts and CDs

Follow these instructions to request a rollover into your IRA Savings Account with ING DIRECT:

  1. Log in to ingdirect.com with your Customer Number or Saver ID and PIN
  2. Click on your IRA Plan
  3. Select the 'Plan Maintenance and Forms' icon
  4. Click on the Request for Direct Rollover form
  5. Print, complete and return the form to us by mail:

    ING DIRECT IRA Servicing
    PO Box 60
    St. Cloud, MN 56302

Investment Accounts

Follow these instructions to request a rollover into your ShareBuilder account:

  1. Navigate to Accounts > Overview > Forms & Applications (sign in required).
  2. Select your Traditional IRA from the 'Switch Account' drop-down menu
  3. Click Roll over a Retirement Account into an IRA.
  4. Select 401(k), 403(b), or 457(b) from the 'From Account' drop-down menu and provide all of the information needed for your rollover request.
  5. Review your rollover information and click Create and Print Form to get your pre-filled form.

What do you do with your pre-filled form?

If rolling over a 401(k):

  1. Contact your former employer or plan administrator to complete a copy of their Distribution/Rollover form.
  2. Make sure you provide them a copy of the pre-filled instruction form you printed so they know how to handle your rollover request.

If rolling over a 403(b) or 457(b):

  1. Add your full Social Security number to the form in the space provided on the form.
  2. Have the form notarized or Medallion Signature Guaranteed when you sign it.
  3. Print a copy of your most recent account statement for the 'From Account' with the other brokerage.
  4. Mail or fax the pre-filled form and your account statement using the address or fax number on the form.

Important: Your rollover request will not be processed if you do not provide a recent account statement for the 'From Account.' Also, qualified retirement accounts can only be rolled over into a Rollover IRA (Traditional IRA) at ShareBuilder.

Note: Some rollovers can go into a Roth IRA. For more details, please contact a Retirement Specialist by calling toll-free 877-464-0292.

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4. How long does it take for a rollover to be complete?

Once we receive all your paperwork, the process normally takes anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks. In some instances, it may take longer.

5. What is a direct rollover?

A direct rollover is the payment of your plan distribution directly to a traditional IRA or other eligible retirement plan of your choice. Your direct rollover distribution check may be given to you or sent directly to ING DIRECT or ShareBuilder. In all instances, however, the direct rollover check must be made payable to:

  • For Savings Accounts and CDs
    ING DIRECT, FBO [Your Name]
  • For Investment Accounts
    ShareBuilder Securities Corporation, FBO [Your Name]

6. Are there any tax penalties when doing a rollover?

When you roll over your money directly from a 401(k) or another type of retirement plan into an IRA, there are typically no tax penalties.

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7. Does it cost anything to roll my account over?

ING DIRECT and ShareBuilder will not charge you to roll over an IRA or 401(k). However, the other financial institution may charge fees for transferring the retirement plan to us.

8. What type of retirement plans can I roll over into an IRA?

There are several types of qualified retirement plans that can be rolled over into an IRA:

  • 401(k) - Retirement plan offered by many employers
  • 457(b) - For local and state government workers
  • 403(b) - For public educators and some non-profit employees
  • Thrift Savings Plans (TSPs) - For U.S. government employees
  • Other account types may also be accepted

If you have any questions, contact a Retirement Specialist at 877-464-0292.

9. How do I request a rollover from my previous employer?

Contact a Rollover Specialist using the information below:

10. Can I roll over my retirement money if I received a distribution check?

You can roll it over if the check is made out like the following:

  • For IRA Savings Accounts and CDs
    ING DIRECT, FBO [Your Name]
  • For Investment Accounts
    ShareBuilder Securities Corporation, FBO [Your Name]

However, if the check is made out in your name, you may have to deposit this check into your checking account and write out a check to either ING DIRECT (for a savings account) or ShareBuilder Securities Corporation (for an investment account) for the entire amount. You normally have 60 days to roll over the funds into an IRA to avoid any penalties and taxes.

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