Press Room

Borrowing from a company retirement plan

Money Management

Monthly financial advice
from the MACPA

For release: May 2009

The troubled economy has taken its toll, resulting in job losses, home foreclosures and tighter credit. Faced with a financial emergency, many people scramble to find available cash.

At such times, the money in your qualified company retirement plan may seem like a great resource.

Tapping into your retirement plan can be an acceptable step in the absence of other borrowing options, according to the Maryland Association of CPAs. Here’s a look at how to make the most of this borrowing option and common mistakes to avoid.

Interest advantages

A retirement plan loan has a number of advantages over other borrowing options.

First, instead of paying interest to a lender, you are actually paying interest to yourself, a much more rewarding prospect. In addition, the interest rate on such loans is typically lower than what you would pay on credit card balances or other commercial debt.

No credit check

It has been difficult for many people to get credit during recent months, as lenders have frozen loans or raised their lending standards.

That’s not a problem with your retirement plan loan, because you are essentially the lender. There are no credit checks or negotiations necessary. The paperwork is relatively uncomplicated and you can arrange to have your payments deducted from your regular paycheck, making it easy to pay off the loan and incorporate the payments into your monthly budget.

Drawbacks to consider

While there are relative benefits to a retirement plan loan, there are also important disadvantages.

One major drawback is that you lose the investment potential of any money you borrow. Let’s say you have $5,000 in a retirement plan, and during the coming year that investment will earn 5 percent, or $250. If you borrow that $5,000 from your retirement plan, you miss out on the chance to earn the $250. Thus, potential lost earnings are a “hidden” cost of your loan.

The slippery slope

If you borrow from a retirement plan, it’s also important to avoid getting into the habit of treating the account as a source of ready cash.

CPAs advise that setting up a retirement account should be a top priority. The earlier you begin saving, the more time that your money has to grow. If you interfere with that growth potential by taking regular loans from a retirement plan, you will cheat yourself out of what could amount to thousands of dollars in retirement nest egg funds over time.

Borrow but don’t withdraw

After weighing the advantages and disadvantages, you may still decide that you do want to tap into your retirement plan funds. Remember, though, that with any tax-advantaged retirement account, it’s significantly better to take a loan rather than withdraw the funds outright.

When you take a withdrawal before you reach the age of 59½, you will be subject to a 10 percent penalty on the amount you take and you will also have to pay income tax on that money. If you withdraw $5,000, in other words, you will owe the Internal Revenue Service a $500 penalty as well as tax on that withdrawal.

Consult your CPA

Many people are struggling with complicated financial decisions in the current economy. Remember that your local CPA can help. He or she has the expertise to advise you on
the best choices for you and your family.

Only CPAs are equipped to address your full range of financial needs with integrity and insight. In Maryland, CPAs must pass a rigorous two-day examination, adhere to strict ethical and professional standards, and, beyond college, complete 80 hours of continuing education every two years to be certified by the state — accountants do not.

Your doctor is certified; your lawyer is certified. Make sure your accountant is a certified public accountant.

For CPA referrals in your area, contact the MACPA at (410) 296-6250 or click here.

The Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA) is a statewide professional association that provides leadership, information and services for its nearly 10,000 CPA members, who are employed in private practice, industry, government and education. CPAs are business and financial professionals who have passed a rigorous two-day examination in order to be licensed by the state. CPAs are committed to protecting the public interest, and must adhere to stringent ethical and professional standards and continuing professional education requirements.

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