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Disposition of Lump-Sum Pension Distributions: Evidence From Tax Returns

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  • Sabelhaus, John
  • Weiner, David

Abstract

About one-third of the disbursements from pension plans are in the form of lump-sum distributions. In this paper, we use tax-return data to study the incidence and disposition of lump-sum distributions. We find that most lump-sum distributions are small, and the probability of rolling a lump sum over is positively correlated with the size of the distribution. Also, although lower-income families are less likely to roll over any given-sized distribution, these families are less likely to receive significant lump sums in the first place so that nonrolled lump sums (leakage from the pension system) are not significant relative to income.

Suggested Citation

  • Sabelhaus, John & Weiner, David, 1999. "Disposition of Lump-Sum Pension Distributions: Evidence From Tax Returns," National Tax Journal, National Tax Association;National Tax Journal, vol. 52(3), pages 593-614, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:ntj:journl:v:52:y:1999:i:3:p:593-614
    DOI: 10.1086/NTJ41789743
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    1. David A. Wise, 1998. "Inquiries in the Economics of Aging," NBER Books, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc, number wise98-2.
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    Cited by:

    1. James M. Poterba & Steven F. Venti, 2001. "Preretirement Cashouts and Foregone Retirement Saving: Implications for 401(k) Asset Accumulation," NBER Chapters, in: Themes in the Economics of Aging, pages 23-58, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    2. Steven F. Venti & James M. Poterba & David A. Wise, 2000. "Saver Behavior and 401(k) Retirement Wealth," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 90(2), pages 297-302, May.
    3. Clark, Robert L. & Morrill, Melinda Sandler & Vanderweide, David, 2014. "Defined benefit pension plan distribution decisions by public sector employees," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 116(C), pages 73-88.
    4. Engelhardt, Gary V., 2003. "Reasons for job change and the disposition of pre-retirement lump-sum pension distributions," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 81(3), pages 333-339, December.
    5. Robert Argento & Victoria L. Bryant & John Edward Sabelhaus, 2013. "Early withdrawals from retirement accounts during the Great Recession," Finance and Economics Discussion Series 2013-22, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (U.S.).
    6. Timothy (Jun) Lu & Olivia S. Mitchell & Stephen P. Utkus & Jean A. Young, 2017. "Borrowing From the Future? 401(K) Plan Loans and Loan Defaults," National Tax Journal, National Tax Association;National Tax Journal, vol. 70(1), pages 77-110, March.
    7. Barry P. Bosworth & Gary Burtless & Sarah E. Anders, 2007. "Capital Income Flows and the Relative Well-Being of America's Aged Population," Working Papers, Center for Retirement Research at Boston College wp2007-21, Center for Retirement Research, revised Dec 2007.
    8. Burman, Leonard E. & Coe, Norma B. & Dworsky, Michael & Gale, William G., 2012. "Effects of Public Policies on the Disposition of Pre-Retirement Lump-Sum Distributions: Rational and Behavioral Influences," National Tax Journal, National Tax Association;National Tax Journal, vol. 65(4), pages 863-887, December.
    9. Hurd, Michael & Panis, Constantijn, 2006. "The choice to cash out pension rights at job change or retirement," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 90(12), pages 2213-2227, December.
    10. Randy Jorgensen & Tirimba Obonyo & John R. Wingender, 2024. "De-risking pension plans: the impact on firm value from lump-sum buyouts," Risk Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 26(3), pages 1-19, September.
    11. William G. Gale & John Sabelhaus, 1999. "Perspectives on the Household Saving Rate," Brookings Papers on Economic Activity, Economic Studies Program, The Brookings Institution, vol. 30(1), pages 181-224.

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