常见问题解答:英国脱欧相关账户迁移

简介 

盈透证券集团(以下简称“IB”)及其英国子公司盈透证券(英国)有限公司(以下简称“IBUK”)一直在为英国脱欧过渡期结束(目前定于2020年12月31日)做筹划,致力于为我们的欧洲客户准备替代方案。我们的重点是把相关变化和影响降到最小,确保为客户提供的经纪服务能够无缝衔接过渡。此事件涉及的客户将会收到通知,通知中会说明相关的变化和时间线。下方为从IBUK到我们其它欧洲经纪公司的账户迁移相关常见问题及解答。

常见问题解答 

问:2021年1月1日英国脱欧开始后IBKR将采取什么措施确保经纪服务持续运行?

答:早在2018年,IBKR便设立了盈透证券卢森堡有限公司(以下简称“IBLUX”),并于2019年11月获得监管授权。此外,我们目前还在着手创建两家位于欧盟的经纪公司:盈透证券爱尔兰有限公司(以下简称“IBIE”)和盈透证券中欧有限公司(以下简称“IBCE”)。 

我们计划在2020年12月31日之前将所有受英国脱欧影响的客户迁移到这三家位于欧盟的经纪公司(以下简称“欧盟经纪公司”)。迁移到IBIE和IBCE还需要获得相关国家主管机关的监管授权。 

 

问:我们的账户要迁移到哪家IBKR经纪公司?

答:哪些账户要迁移到IBLUX、IBIE和IBCE这三家经纪公司中的哪一家尚未最终确定。我们预计大多数西欧客户会迁移到IBIE,中欧和东欧客户则迁移到IBCE,还有部分客户会迁移到IBLUX。这其中客户的账户类型和头寸也会纳入考虑。 

在最终发送迁移请求前,我们会向所有客户发送通知,详细说明其将被迁入的经纪公司。

 

问:此次迁移计划涉及哪些客户?

答:涉及的客户包括居住在欧盟的个人客户和在欧盟国家成立的实体客户。这些账户大部分都开立在盈透证券(英国)有限公司。

 

问:通过什么方式征求客户同意?

答:我们准备好迁移账户后,您会收到一封邮件让您登录客户端。登录后,您会看到相关披露文件和客户协议,您可以以电子方式在线表示同意。未对最开始的邮件作出回应的客户将会收到一系列后续提醒邮件。

 

问:如果我不做任何操作会怎么样?

答:如果未能作出回应表示同意,您的账户最终会受到交易和转账限制,就如同您不同意迁移一样。另外请注意,您的账户将继续适用当前协议的条款和条件(包括费用和保证金政策),直至完成迁移到指定欧盟经纪公司、迁移到IBKR以外的其它经纪公司或关闭。

 

问:如果我不同意迁移会怎么样?

答:如果您不同意将账户迁移到指定欧盟经纪公司,您的账户将受到限制、无法开展新的交易或转入更多资金和/或头寸。该等限制不会阻止您将账户迁出IBKR。 

 

问:我的登录信息会变更吗?

答:不会。您当前账户的用户名、密码和双因素验证程序在迁移后仍然有效。但是,迁移的账户会有新的账户号码。

 

问:迁移后我还可以访问现在的交易平台吗?会有什么软件方面的变化吗?

答:迁移不会对您用于交易和管理账户的软件造成任何影响。所有的技术都不会发生改变。

 

问:所有账户余额也会迁移吗?

答:除应计项目(如利息和股息)之外的所有余额也会一并迁移。应计项目会在实现现金后迁移。如果是利息,应计项目通常是逆向的,现金会在应计款项下一个月的第一周记入账户。如果是股息,应计项目是逆向的,抵消现金会在发行发支付股息的当天记入账户。

 

问:迁移后我当前的账户会怎么样?

答:所有应计项目都记入为现金并转入迁移账户后,您当前的账户便会关闭。关闭后,账户将无法用于交易。但是,您仍可以通过客户端的账户选择器访问此账户,查看或打印历史报表。

 

问:账户迁移后,IBKR的佣金费用会发生变化吗?

答:不会。IBKR的佣金和费用不会因您账户所在的经纪公司发生变化。

 

问:账户迁移后,我的交易许可会发生变化吗?

答:您的交易许可将保持不变,但迁移到IBLUX的账户由于监管限制将无法进行杠杆外汇交易。尽管目前看来IBIE和IBCE的账户没有类似限制,但如果政策调整,我们会在迁移前通知您。 

 

问:账户迁移后,未完成的定单(如取消前有效定单)会被保留下来吗?

答:未完成的定单将被转到新账户,但是,我们建议客户在迁移后立即对定单进行检查,确保定单符合其交易目的。

 

问:账户迁移后,我还受美国典型日内交易规则限制吗?

:在IBUK开立的账户由于最终是被引入美国经纪公司IBL并由IBL提供底层清算,因此适用美国典型日内交易(PDT)规则。根据PDT规则,资产低于25,000美元的账户任意5个工作日内日内交易不得超过3笔。 

而迁移到IBLUX、IBIE和IBCE的账户不再是引入IBL,因此不再适用PDT规则。

 

问:年末我会收到一份合并的年度报表吗?

答:不会。您会收到一份当前账户的年度报表(时间范围为2020年1月1日至迁移日)和一份迁移后新账户的年度报表(时间范围为迁移日至2020年12月31日)。

 

问:账户迁移后,当前账户内头寸的成本基础是否会保留到新账户?

答:是的。迁移不会影响您头寸的成本基础。

 

问:迁移后的新账户是否会保留当前账户的配置?

答:在法规允许的范围内,迁移后的账户配置会与当前账户的配置保持一致。这包括保证金、市场数据、多个使用者和警报等属性。在有限的情况下,账户会被迁移到无法支持全部产品的行政辖区。持有受限产品的客户可以进行迁移并维持或平仓该等产品的头寸,但无法增加新的头寸。 

 

问:如果IBKR在2020年12月31日前未能取得迁移所必需的监管许可会怎么样?

答:IBLUX已经获批,但在业务规模方面受到一定限制;因此要在2020年12月31日前完成迁移就必需要获得IBIE或IBCE的许可。如果确定这两家经纪公司都无法及时拿到许可,我们会联系客户解释英国脱欧过渡期结束后其账户的处理方案。

 

问:迁移后我还能继续向英国申诉服务机构(FOS)提交投诉吗?

答:IBUK的客户可以将在IBUK未得到满意解决的投诉提交给英国金融申诉服务机构处理。但迁移到IBLUX、IBIE或IBCE之后,英国金融申诉服务机构将不再适用,我们会为您提供新的替代服务相关信息。请注意,迁移不会影响我司内部的投诉处理流程。

 

问:迁移对数据保护有什么影响?

答:账户从IBUK迁移到IBLUX、IBIE或IBCE并不会对我们根据数据保护规则对您个人信息实施保护的方式造成任何影响。IBLUX、IBIE和IBCE均会承担数据保护责任,继续按照我们一贯的高标准保护您的个人信息。 

 

问:我的账户保障会有什么影响?

答:在欧盟,发生经纪商违约的情况下客户的保险保障通常会不如在英国或美国。 

目前,如果满足资格要求,IBUK的客户在投资服务方面可享受英国金融服务补偿计划(以下简称“UK FSCS”)最高达50,000英镑的保障。由于IBUK的客户由我们的美国经纪公司IBL进行底层清算,其账户的证券账户段可以参加证券投资者保护公司(以下简称“SIPC”)的保险,保额最高达500,000美元(其中现金不超过250,000美元)。 

而在欧盟经纪公司,IBLUX、IBIE和IBCE的合资格索赔人最多可以申请20,000欧元的赔偿。有关具体方案、保险范围和索赔资格的更多信息会同迁移请求一并发送给您。  

鉴于盈透证券集团82.5亿美元的总资本以及在集团所有经纪公司推行的审慎保证金政策(包括接受定单前的预先信用检查以及对不满足保证金要求的账户进行自动平仓清算),我们相信此次迁移并不会对客户资产的总体安全稳健造成影响。

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Converting From a Single to Joint Account

The process of adding a second owner to an existing single account for purposes of converting to a joint account is outlined below:

1.       As the joint account structure differs from that of the individual in terms of account holder information required, legal agreements and, in certain cases, taxpayer status, direct conversion is not supported and a new joint account application must be completed online.
 
The joint application may be initiated online from the single account by logging into Client Portal and clicking the User menu (head and shoulders icon in the top right corner) followed by Manage Account. Click the Configure (gear) icon next to the words Open an Additional Account. This process will allow you to retain your existing user name, password and security device for purposes of operating the joint account. Be sure to request trading permissions and, if necessary, margin status, sufficient to maintain the positions currently carried in your individual account. Note that if your account is managed by a financial advisor or you are a client of an introducing broker, please contact your advisor or broker to initiate the new application (you may need to make arrangements with your advisor or broker for fees that have accrued but not yet paid if the individual account closes).
 
The joint account application requires Compliance review and approval and documentation evidencing the identity and address of the second account holder may be required. If this is the case, notice as to the required documents and how to submit will be provided at the conclusion of the online application.
 
 
2.       Once you have received an email confirming approval of the joint account application, send a request from your Message Center authorizing IBKR to manually transfer positions from your single to joint account. Prior to submitting the request you should make sure to close all open orders in the individual account to ensure that no executions take place following the transfer.
 
Due to the manual steps and scheduling required, you should allow a minimum of one week after joint account approval and submitting your request for the transfer to take effect. 

 

IMPORTANT NOTES
 
1.       Note that exchange regulations preclude ownership transfer of derivative contracts such as futures and options. If you are holding such positions you would either need to close them prior to the transfer taking place or request that they remain in your individual account.
 
2.       Prior to processing the transfer, you should make sure to close all open orders in the individual account to ensure that no executions take place following the transfer.
 
3.       The SMA (Special Memorandum Account) balance in your individual account will not transfer to the joint account. In certain cases this may impact your ability to open new positions in the joint account on the first day after the transfer is completed.
 
4.       Elective options such as participation in IBKR's Stock Yield Enhancement Program will not be carried over to the joint account and must be re-initiated to continue.
 
5.       The cost basis of transferred positions as reported in the activity statements will remain unchanged for tax purposes.  
 
6.       Once the transfer has been completed and assuming all positions have been transferred your individual account will be designated for automatic closure. Note that certain balances such as dividend accruals can’t be transferred until paid, after which they will then be transferred and your individual account closed.
 
7.       You'll receive any applicable tax forms for the reportable activity transacted in each of your individual and joint accounts at year end. Access to Client Portal for your individual account will remain after it has been closed for the purpose of reviewing and printing activity statements and tax forms.
 
8.       IBKR does not provide tax advice or investment guidance and recommends that account holder consult with qualified professionals to determine any legal, tax or estate planning consequences associated with single to joint transfer requests.

 

How to Reopen a Closed Account

Accounts which have been closed are generally eligible to be reopened, subject to the following:

 

1.       The account was opened after January 1, 2002;

2.       The taxpayer status of the account is properly documented;

3.       The account is compliant with respect to all documentation required for regulatory purposes;

4.       If the account is a sub or client account of a master, the master account is open.

 

The reopening request may be submitted online by logging into Account Management and selecting the Manage Account, Settings and then Reopen Account menu options (Note that the email and password combination necessary to log in remain the same as that at the point your account was closed). Alternatively, requests may be submitted by contacting your local Client Service Center.

 

Once your request has been submitted it is subject to review by our Compliance Department. Please note that these requests are processed in the order by which they are received and you should allow a minimum of 48 hours to complete.

 

Notification of approval is sent to the email address of record, after which you will need to log into Account Management and submit a deposit notification.  The minimum deposit required to re-open is USD 10,000, or equivalent; the same as that for opening a new account.

 

Also note that in certain instances, you may be required to update account information and/or documents which are deemed by our Compliance Department to be obsolete.  If this is required, you will receive an email outlining those which are required. 

W8 Re-certification

If you are not a U.S. citizen or entity formed within the U.S. and have an account with Interactive Brokers, you are requested to declare your citizenship or country of formation with the US tax authority (IRS). This declaration can be done online by correctly filling out the W-8BEN form. Filling out this form is an easy process that only takes a few minutes. In the short movie below, we show you where to find the W-8BEN in your IB account management and how to fill it out.

If you fail to declare your foreign citizenship or country of formation, and IB does not have a valid W-8BEN form on file, you are presumed to be a US person/entity without a proper tax certification. As a US person/entity, you will be subject to backup withholding at a rate of 28% on interest, dividends, and substitute payments in lieu; as well as gross proceeds. 

Every 3 years the IRS requires a re-certification of the W-8BEN form. IB will ask the beneficial account owner to re-certify their foreign status by re-signing the W8-BEN in order to continue their status as a foreign person and claim the tax treaty benefits. If you experience any problems or have questions regarding the W-8BEN form or how IB handles Non-US persons and entities, select this Tax Information and Reporting link and choose the tab Non-US Persons and Entities or consult the following IRS information page for more details: www.irs.gov/instructions/iw8/ch02.html

Cost Basis Reporting

 

1099 Reporting

Year End Reports

Account Transfers

 

1099 Reporting 

Statement and Year End Reporting for US persons and entities comprises the following:

1.  Cost Basis:  While the required reporting schedule was staggered, the primary cost basis that will be reported to the IRS includes equities bought and sold after December 31, 2010.  This includes the adjusted cost basis resulting from wash sales and corporate actions.

The future phase-in period for broker reporting includes the assets sold on or after the following dates:

--- Mutual Funds and  ETFS - 1/1/2012

--- Simple debt instruments (i.e. treasuries, fixed-rate bonds & municipal bonds) and options,  - 1/1/2014

--- Other debt instruments - 1/1/2016

2.  Tax Basis Method:  Brokers are required to use the method first in, first out (FIFO), unless given other instructions by an investor.  Changes to your tax basis method may be submitted through the Tax Optimizer.  The Tax Optimizer is launched from within Account Management and is available for stock, option, bond, warrant and single-stock future trades.  

IB offers multiple  tax basis methods, including three basic options:

●        First In, First Out (FIFO) - This is the default option.  FIFO assumes that the oldest security in inventory is matched to the most recently sold security.

●         Last In, First Out (LIFO) - LIFO assumes that the newest security acquired is sold first.

●         Specific Lot - Lets you see all of your tax lots and closing trades, then manually match lots to trades. Specific Lot is not available as the Account Default Match Method.

Tax Optimizer also lets you select the following additional derivatives of the specific identification method.

●        Highest Cost (HC), Maximize Long-Term Gain (MLTG), Maximize Long-Term Loss (MLTG), Maximize Short-Term Gain (MSTG), and Maximize Short-Term Loss(MSTL).


For complete instructions on using the Tax Optimizer and details on the lot-matching algorithms for each method, see the Tax Optimizer Users Guide.

Note:  Changing your tax basis is effective immediately.  The basis selected will be applied to all subsequent trades on the account statements and tax reports.  Updates will not affect previously closed trades nor the TWS profit and loss data displayed.


3.  Gain & Loss Categories:  An additional requirement to the cost basis reporting is the capital gain or loss category.  The gain or loss category of equities is determined by the length of time in which the security was held, known as the "holding period." 

●         Short-Term - Holding periods of one year or less are categorized as "short-term."

●         Long-Term  - Holding periods over one year are categorized as "long-term."

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Year End Reports

The following statements and reports display cost basis information that will be reported on Form 1099-B for eligible accounts.

  • Monthly Account Statements
  • Annual Account Statements 
  • Worksheet for Form 8949

For a complete review of the tax information and year end reporting available, click here.

Note:  Unlike the Account Statements, the Gain & Loss Worksheet for Form 8949 may consolidate sell trades.  The cost basis will be adjusted, as required for 1099-B reporting.

 

Asset Transfers

U.S. legislation from 2008 included new guidelines for tax reporting by U.S. financial institutions.  Effective January 2011, U.S.  Brokers are required to report cost basis on sold assets, whether or not a gain/loss is short-term (held one year or less) or long-term (held more than one year).   U.S. brokerage firms, Interactive Brokers LLC (IB) included, implemented changes to comply with the legislation.

For more information on cost basis with asset transfers, see Cost Basis & Asset Transfers.

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Disclaimer:  IB does not provide tax advice. These statements are provided for information purposes only, are not intended to constitute tax advice which may be relied upon to avoid penalties under any international, federal, state, local or other tax statutes or regulations, and do not resolve any tax issues in your favor. We recommend that you consult a qualified tax adviser or refer to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

ACATS Transfer Guide (US brokerage account transfers)

ACATS Transfer Guide

Introduction

ACATS Transfer Benefits

Navigating The Process

Incoming Or Outgoing

Initiating Your Transfer

What To Expect

Who To Contact For Help

 

Introduction

Understanding the basic facts about transferring accounts between US brokerage firms can be help to avoid delays.  Through this article and other Knowledge Database resources, Interactive Brokers seeks to assist with your incoming and outgoing ACATS requests.

US brokerage firms utilize a standardized system to transfer customer accounts from one firm to another.  Known as the Automated Customer Account Transfer Service or ACATS, the process allows assets to move seamlessly between  brokerage firms in a unified time frame.   ACATS transfers are facilitated by a third party, the National Securities Clearing Corporation (NSCC), to assist participating members with timely asset transfers.

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ACATS Transfer Benefits

The majority of assets may be transferred between US brokerage firms and some banks through ACATS.  This standardized system includes stocks, US corporate bonds, listed options, unit investment trusts, mutual funds, and cash.  Information on assets eligible for transfer is provided at "Assets Eligible..."  Though impacted by multiple factors and time constraints, the accepted or rejected transfers finalize within 10 business days in most cases.

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Navigating The Process

4 simple steps of the ACATS process will help you understand the flow and minimize delays.  Familiarizing yourself with the transfer process helps to ensure a successful transition.

1.  Incoming or Outgoing

2.  Initiating Your Transfer

3.  What to Expect

4.  Who to Contact For Help 

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 1. Incoming or Outgoing

 

Incoming ACATS Transfers

The financial institution that is receiving your assets and account transfer is known as the "receiving firm."  Investors always work with and through the "receiving firm" to move full or partial account assets into a new broker. 

Contact the "receiving firm" (Interactive Brokers) to review the firm's trading policies and requirements.  You should verify that your assets are eligible for trading at the "receiving firm" before initiating the transfer request.   Not all ACATS transferable assets are acceptable for trading at every brokerage firm.

Outgoing ACATS Transfers

All outgoing ACATS transfers, full or partial, must be approved by the "delivering firm."  Investors, however, should work with and through the "receiving firm" in order to begin the the transfer process or to status the progress of the request.      

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2. Initiating Your Transfer

Investors must always begin the ACATS transfer with the "receiving firm."  An ACATS transfer form or Transfer Initiation Form (TIF) must be submitted.  The "receiving firm" takes your reqeust and communicates with the "delivering firm" via ACATS.  The process begins with this request for transfer of the account. 

For your Interactive Brokers Account, the transfer is usually submitted online.  Video instruction on submitting the transfer is provided at "How to deposit funds via a full ACATS/ATON Transfer."  or through Step-by-step instructions.

Note: Outgoing account transfers from your IB account should be directed to the other broker.  Your request will be submitted to IB from the other broker through the ACATS electronically.

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3. What to Expect

Your Account

Brokers ensure the safety and security of transfer requests by only authorizing requests between open accounts that meet the following criteria:

  • Same Account Title
  • Same Tax ID Number
  • Same Account Type

Transfer Approval

Ultimately responsible for validating the transfer,  the "delivering firm" may accept  information from the "receiving firm" correcting data originally entered.  Approved or validated requests result in the delivery of positions to the "receiving firm" for their acceptance.   Assets may not be accepted by the "receiving firm" for the following:

  • Non-marginable or Margin (credit) violation
  • Not Tradable
  • DTC Chill

Note: The most common reasons for ACATS rejections are outlined by clicking here.

Processing Time-frame

The processing time for each transfer request is fixed.  In general, approved transfers complete within 4 to 8 business days.  Almost all transfers complete within 10 business days.  Each firm is required to perform certain steps at specific intervals in the process.  Feel free to review the Full ACATS transfer process flow.

 

Fees

While Interactive Brokers does not charge a fee to transfer your account via ACATS, some brokers do apply a fee for full and partial transfers. Prior to initiating your transfer, you should contact the "delivering firm" to verify any charge.

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4.  Who To Contact For Help

Interactive Brokers Customer Service stands poised to assist with your incoming ACATS transfer reqeust.  Click here for Customer Service contact resources.

Note:  Outgoing or ACATS transfers sending accounts to another broker should be directed to the "receiving firm."  Their Account Transfer Group will work with Interactive Brokers directly to complete your outgoing request.

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Tax Treaty Benefits

Overview: 

Income payments (dividends and payment in lieu) from U.S. sources into your IB account may have U.S. tax withheld.  Generally, a 30% rate is applied to non-U.S. accounts.  Exemption from the withholding or a lower rate may apply if your home country has a tax treaty with the U.S.  Complete the applicable Form W-8 to find out your status. 

Background: 

Tax Treaties*

U.S. tax treaties with some countries have different benefits.  Legal tax residents of the following countries may be eligible for the treaty benefits.  Below is a list of the tax treaty countries.  Benefits vary by country.

Australia Czech Republic India Lithuania Sweden
Austria Denmark Indonesia Poland Switzerland
Bangladesh Egypt Ireland Portugal Thailand
Barbados Estonia Israel Romania Trinidad & Tobago
Belgium Finland Italy Russia Tunisia
Bulgaria France Jamaica Slovak Republic Turkey
Canada Germany Japan Slovenia Ukraine
China, People's Rep. Of Greece Kazakhstan South Africa United Kingdom
Commonwealth of Ind. States Hungary Korea, Rep. of Spain Venezuela
Cyprus Iceland Latvia Sri Lanka  

*Country list as of April 2009

 

Refer to IRS Publication 901 for details on withholding rates for your tax residence country and your eligible benefits.

 

Which Tax Form Should I Select?

Overview: 

3 simple questions can help you choose a tax certification form.   Read the questions and select the form.  For more detailed help, see Tax Information & Reporting.

Question # 1:      Are you a U.S. Person or a U.S. Entity?

• U.S. Citizen • U.S. Business or Organization
• U.S. Green Card Holder • U.S. Domestic Trust
                                       • U.S. Legal Resident

If the answer is YES, complete Form W-9

If the answer is NO, go to # 2.

Question # 2:      Do you have a U.S. Visa?

 

• H-1B Visa Holder • TN Visa Holder         
                                         • O-1 Visa Holder

If the answer is YES, find your status by the "substantial presence test." See More U.S. Legal Resident Info 

If the answer is NO, go to # 3.

Question # 3:      Are you a Legal Resident or Entity of another country?

                                      *Question does Not apply to U.S. Citizens/Entities or Green Card Holders

• Permanent Home Outside of U.S • Entity Formed Outside of U.S.
                                      •Business or Organization formed outside of U.S.

If the answer is YES, complete Form W-8  (U.S. Citizens, Green Card Holders, and Entities still complete the W-9.)

NOT SURE because you work, live, or study in the U.S. then, see More U.S. Legal Resident Info 

 

Disclaimer:  IB does not provide tax advice. These statements are provided for information purposes only, are not intended to constitute tax advice which may be relied upon to avoid penalties under any international, federal, state, local or other tax statutes or regulations, and do not resolve any tax issues in your favor. We recommend that you consult a qualified tax adviser or refer to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

Certify Your Tax Status

Overview: 

Filling out a tax certification form is required to open an IB account.  The forms confirm your tax status in relation to the United States.  Information provided by you may lower or exempt the U.S. tax withholding on your account.

Background: 

This article will help you to:

►Choose the correct certification form                            ►Find your tax treaty benefits

►Fill out and submit your form online                              ►Answer tax certification questions

 

 

 

 

Which Form Do You Pick?

Tax Treaty Benefits

Management of account activity differs for each account type.  IB is a U.S. broker and must follow U.S. guidelines.  3 simple questions help you choose the right form

Some countries have a tax treaty with the U.S.  Find out if you benefit from a lower tax-withholding rate. Tax Treaty Benefit Info

Filling Out The Form

Tax Certification – FAQ’s

The certification form is direct.  Supply basic account information on the true owner of the assets or entity.  Select  W-9 Instructions or W-8 Instructions for help. Seek professional advice for tax questions.  These common questions and answers may help you make an informed decision.  Tax Certification - Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

 

Disclaimer:  IB does not provide tax advice. These statements are provided for information purposes only, are not intended to constitute tax advice which may be relied upon to avoid penalties under any international, federal, state, local or other tax statutes or regulations, and do not resolve any tax issues in your favor. We recommend that you consult a qualified tax advisor or refer to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

 

 

How and When to Use a Direct Rollover

Overview: 

This information is for general educational purposes only.  Individuals should consult with their financial adviser or legal counsel to determine how rollover regulations affect their unique situations.

Generally, an investor changing jobs or leaving the workforce may utilize either a Direct Rollover election to continue their retirement savings outside of their employer-sponsored retirement plan.   Assets distributed directly to your IRA from the retirement plan may qualify as a Direct Rollover.

What is a Direct Rollover?

The Direct Rollover is a tax-free distribution to you of cash or other assets from one retirement plan that you contribute to another retirement plan, including an IRA.  The contribution to the IRA is called a rollover contribution.  The Direct Rollover method transfers the assets directly from the retirement plan (and not to the IRA owner) into the investor's IRA, avoiding the 20% mandatory IRS withholding.  This option to transfer retirement assets has no age limitations.

Eligible retirement plans include:

  • Employer's qualified pension, profit -sharing, or stock bonus plan
  • Annuity plan
  • Tax sheltered annuity plan (section 403(b) plan)
  • Governmental deferred compensation plan (section 457 plan)

Who do you contact first? 

Contact your retirement plan administrator or the human resources office for eligibility and requirements.  The plan administrator is required to provide a reasonable direct method of asset transfer.   Completion of an IRA Rollover Form provided by the administrator may be required, in some cases.  In other cases, the plan accepts an IRA Rollover Form supplied by your IRA's broker.  Therefore, it is important to check with the plan administrator.

Initiating your Direct Rollover through IB 

For those transfers that require a broker-supplied IRA Rollover Form, Interactive Brokers provides a convenient IRA Rollover Form.  Interactive Brokers will forward the request to the plan administrator or broker for processing.  Funds may be transferred by either wire transfer or check directly to Interactive Brokers.

Before accepting an IRA rollover transaction into an IRA, we require that you review your eligibility for the rollover and certify your understanding of the rollover rules and conditions.  The IRA Rollover Form includes the Rollover Form and an IRA Rollover Certification Form.

The Fund Transfers page within the Account Management lets you notify IB of an IRA Rollover deposit of funds into your account.  Select the Funding tab in the header link and choose Deposit Funds in the Transaction list.   In the Method list, select Direct Rollover.  Complete, sign, and return both forms to the Interactive Brokers address on the form.

Contact Customer Service with any additional questions.

 

 

In compliance with Treasury Department Circular 230, unless stated to the contrary, any information contained in this article was not intended or written to be used and cannot be used for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed on any taxpayer.

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