The virtues of a 401(k)

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Top things to know The virtues of a 401(k) How to invest in a 401(k) Early withdrawals and loans Rollovers Taking distributions in retirement

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If someone offered you free money, would you refuse it? Probably not. But that's just what you're doing if you don't contribute to your 401(k). The more you contribute, the more free money you get. Here's why:

Contributing part of your salary to a 401(k) gives you three compelling benefits:

• You get an immediate tax break, because contributions come out of your paycheck before taxes are withheld.
• The possibility of a matching contribution from your employer - most commonly 50 cents on the dollar for the first 6 percent you save.
• You get tax-deferred growth - meaning you don't pay taxes each year on capital gains, dividends, and other distributions.

The federal limit on annual contributions has been increasing gradually, and is $16,500 for the 2009 tax year. If you're 50 or older, you may contribute an additional $5,500.

Keep in mind, however, that while federal law sets the guidelines for what's permissible in 401(k) plans, your employer may set tighter restrictions. Plus, it will take time for the administrators of your plan to implement the changes.

What's more, there are other federal non-discrimination tests a 401(k) plan must meet, one of which applies to "highly compensated" employees. So if you make more than $110,000 a year (the limit for 2009), you may not be permitted to contribute as high a percentage of your salary as some of your lower paid colleagues.

For all its tax advantages, the 401(k) is not a penalty-free ride. Pull out money from your account before age 59-1/2, and with few exceptions, you'll owe income taxes on the amount withdrawn plus an additional 10 percent penalty.

Also, be aware of your plan's vesting schedule - the time you're required to be at the company before you're allowed to walk away with 100 percent of your employer matches. Of course, any money you contribute to a 401(k) is yours.

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