How Often Do 401(k) Providers Have to Send Out Benefit Statements?

The Internal Revenue Service requires plan providers to send out a benefit statement to each participant in a 401(k) plan at least once a year, although the law allows them to set the notification schedule. If you request a copy of your statement in writing at any time, your provider must comply with the request, although he's only bound to give you a statement by request once each year. If your 401(k) gives you the option to direct your own investments, your plan must provide you a statement every three months.

Your provider has a bit of wiggle room in deciding how to give you those benefit statements. Plan administrators can send paper statements through the mail or distribute notifications electronically. Several options for electronic reporting may be used, from emailing notifications to providing reports on a secure website.

Leaving your job usually means packing up your things and enjoying a slice of cake at your send-off party. While it's only natural to be focused on your new job, don't write off your ties to the company. Your employer must give you a benefits statement that wraps up your 401(k) contributions and balance shortly after you leave. Depending on the type of plan and under what conditions you left the company, your plan administrator must provide you a statement within 90 to 180 days of your last day on the job.

Your 401(k) statement must provide basic information about your retirement plan. The IRS requires each statement to include details such as the value of your account; the vested portion of this amount, or the slice you already own; and the value of each investment held in your 401(k). Providers must also warn workers about the risk of investing versus saving money, putting more than one-fifth of your nest egg in a single company's stock and not having a diversified retirement portfolio.