Millions of Americans may be able to tap into their retirement savings for financial help due to the coronavirus pandemic. As part of the $2 trillion CARES Act, anybody who is under the age of 59½ can take out a hardship withdrawal of up to $100,000 from their 401(k) retirement account without incurring a ten percent early withdrawal penalty. While you will still need to pay taxes on the money, you will have three years to pay those taxes, instead of just one.
Although companies are not required to allow employees to take early withdrawals, according to CNBC, a survey conducted by Willis Towers Watson, a human resources consulting company, found that two-thirds of companies are allowing their workers to take advantage of the new rules.
Experts say that even though it is tempting to take out the money, you need to plan ahead to cover the taxes, which could be around $20,000, depending on how much you take out. In addition, your company may have additional requirements before you can remove any money from your retirement account.
Robyn Credico, who works for Willis Towers Watson, told CNBC that if possible, people should keep their money invested until the pandemic is over.
“The employee needs to make sure they really need this because if they don’t, it’s actually a good time to be invested and stay the course,” said Credico.