How do I get rid of my TSP
Robert Spencer
Published Mar 29, 2026
Once you’re ready to leave federal service, you can withdraw your retirement money and close your account. Keep in mind that TSP withdrawals are generally subject to federal taxes.
Can you close your TSP account?
Once you’re ready to leave federal service, you can withdraw your retirement money and close your account. Keep in mind that TSP withdrawals are generally subject to federal taxes.
When can you cash out TSP?
Since the TSP is a retirement plan, there is no penalty for withdrawing your money during retirement. If you stop working for the federal government, you can start making retirement withdrawals when you turn 55. If you keep working for the federal government, you need to wait until you turn 59-1/2.
How do I get out of TSP?
- Leave TSP account assets in your account. The easiest thing to do is leave your assets in your TSP account. …
- Roll your TSP assets into an IRA. …
- Roll your TSP assets into new employer’s 401(k) plan. …
- Withdraw your TSP assets in a lump sum. …
- Transfer the assets to a qualified annuity.
Can you withdraw your TSP when you leave the service?
As a separated participant, you have a number of choices with regard to your TSP account: If you are less than 70½ years old and are not ready to withdraw your account, you may leave it in the TSP and make a withdrawal decision later. You also may be able to withdraw part of your account in a single payment.
Should I cash out TSP?
It’s really tempting to cash out your TSP account to pay for them. But that is almost always the worst thing you can do. Most experts agree that taking money out of your TSP (or any tax-free or tax-deferred) retirement account before you turn 59½, the normal minimum distribution age, isn’t smart.
Can I use my TSP to pay off my mortgage?
What Not to Do. Generally, it’s not a good idea to withdraw from a TSP or an IRA to pay off a mortgage. If you withdraw before you turn 59½, you may incur taxes and early-payment penalties.
What happens to my TSP loan if I leave federal service?
If you leave service with an outstanding TSP loan, you must repay the loan in full, including interest. If you have not made that payment within 90 days, a “taxable distribution” of the unpaid loan amount will be declared, potentially subjecting you to significant tax penalties.Can I withdraw TSP early?
There is a 10% penalty for early withdrawals if you are younger than age 59 and a half. Traditional TSP withdrawals are subject to federal income tax, and possibly state income tax as well, while Roth TSP withdrawals are not, as long as certain requirements are met.
How do I avoid paying taxes on my TSP withdrawal?The simplest rule to get around the 10% penalty before 59 and 1/2 is if you retire in the year you turn age 55 or later. For example, if you turn 55 in December of this year and you retire this year as well then you’d be able to access your TSP without the 10% penalty.
Article first time published onWhat if I retire before my TSP loan is paid off?
This means that if you have a $25,000 loan outstanding and you don’t pay it back, you would have to pay $7,000 in tax, assuming you pay taxes in the 28 percent bracket. Second, if you retire before the TSP’s official retirement age of 55, you’ll also have to pay a 10 percent penalty for the early withdrawal.
What is the average amount in TSP balance at retirement?
AgeAverage Contribution RateAverage Balance60-6911%$182,10070-7912%$171,400All Ages9%$95,600
What states do not tax TSP withdrawals?
While most states tax TSP distributions, these 12 don’t: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming, Illinois, Mississippi and Pennsylvania.
Are TSP death benefits taxable?
The taxable amount of any death benefits paid directly to the beneficiaries of a civilian or uniformed services TSP account may be subject to 20% mandatory federal income tax withholding.
Can TSP be used to buy a house?
TSP loans used as home loans can be used to buy or build a primary residence. And that can include a house, condo, mobile home, RV or boat, as long you’re going to live in it most of the time. TSP home loans must be repaid within one to 15 years, depending on the terms of the loan.
How many TSP millionaires are there?
There are close to 99,000 millionaires in the TSP as of September 30, 2021. 99,000 is a large number, but, keep in mind that is as of the end of August when there were 6,402,933 TSP investors. In other words, only 1.5% of TSP investors are millionaires.
How much does the average person have in TSP?
To complete the grid, 530,357 participants have account balances ranging from $250,000-$499,000 (20.36 years contributing on average) and 212,110 participants are in the $500,000-$749,000 range (23.12 years on average).
How much should I have saved for retirement by age 60?
If you are earning $50,000 by age 30, you should have $50,000 banked for retirement. By age 40, you should have three times your annual salary. By age 50, six times your salary; by age 60, eight times; and by age 67, 10 times. 8 If you reach 67 years old and are earning $75,000 per year, you should have $750,000 saved.
What are the worst states to retire?
- Alabama. Affordability rank: 8. …
- TIE: Arkansas. Affordability rank: 19. …
- TIE: Maine. Affordability rank: 40. …
- Alaska. Affordability rank: 25. …
- Montana. Affordability rank: 33. …
- Kansas. Affordability rank: 24. …
- Minnesota. Affordability rank: 39. …
- Maryland. Affordability rank: 47. Wellness rank: 4.
What is the most tax friendly state to retire in?
1. Delaware. Congratulations, Delaware – you’re the most tax-friendly state for retirees! With no sales tax, low property taxes, and no death taxes, it’s easy to see why Delaware is a tax haven for retirees.
What is the number one state to retire in?
Other popular retirement states For example, Bankrate.com put Georgia as the best state to retire in its 2021 study, followed by Florida, Tennessee, Missouri, and Massachusetts.
Can my kids inherit my TSP?
If a Thrift Savings Plan account holder dies, his/her account will be inherited by his/her beneficiary. Participants can designate a beneficiary on Form TSP-3 (which can be found on the TSP website). If there is no designated beneficiary, the Thrift Plan follows the standard order of precedence for federal benefits.
Can my spouse get my TSP in a divorce?
A spouse can be awarded up to 50% of the marital share of the TSP in a divorce. The marital share is based on the amount of time you were earning towards the pension while married.
Does TSP go to surviving spouse?
A TSP participant can name any individual as the beneficiary of his or her TSP account. However, upon the death of the TSP participant, only a spousal beneficiary is allowed to keep the inherited TSP account in the deceased spouse’s TSP account.