Upon leaving or retiring from federal service, Thrift Savings Plan participants can request installment payments from their traditional TSP account. Ed Zurndorfer explains the taxes on this TSP withdrawal option
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
Tax Rules on TSP Withdrawals
Before deciding to withdraw money from their Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) accounts, TSP participants are advised to be aware of the tax rules. Ed Zurndorfer outlines them for both traditional and Roth TSP accounts, including the IRS reporting rules, withholding taxes, and early withdrawal penalties
TSP Roth In-Plan Conversions Coming January 2026
The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) announced officially last week that starting in January 2026 TSP participants will be able to convert their money in traditional TSP (pre-tax) balance to a Roth TSP (after-tax) balance. Helpful resources are available on the TSP Roth option
TSP Withdrawal Option: Installment Payments (Automatic Withdrawals)
Ed Zurndorfer discusses the Thrift Savings Plan installment payment withdrawal option, including the fixed dollar payment amount and a payment based on life expectancy. A practical example is included
TSP Withdrawal Option: Annuity Purchase
Ed Zurndofer discusses the Thrift Savings Plan life annuity withdrawal option when an employee leaves or retires from federal service including: how much the monthly payment amount is, the types of annuity options that can be purchased, how to purchase them, and additional features that allow beneficiaries. A practical example and important reminders are included
TSP Withdrawal Option: Total Distribution
A retired federal employee has several options for withdrawing from their Thrift Savings Plan accounts. Ed Zurndorfer outlines the total distribution TSP withdrawal option including the income tax consequences for traditional and Roth accounts and the pros and cons of direct rollovers to IRAs
TSP Withdrawal Option: Partial Distribution
A retired federal employee has several options for withdrawing from their Thrift Savings Plan accounts. Ed Zurndorfer outlines the the partial TSP distribution option including its tax consequences, the limit of distributions allowed, rollovers, and required minimum distributions (RMDs). Practical examples are included.
Using QLACs to Minimize TSP RMDs and Create Guaranteed Income
Ed Zurndorfer outlines how federal employees and retirees who have Thrift Savings Plan accounts can use Qualified Longevity Annuity Contracts to reduce required minimum distributions and create guaranteed lifetime income
TSP Changed the Lifecycle (L) Funds on June 30
The Thrift Savings Plan will now have eleven L Funds which are designed to help participants target the time when they’ll need their retirement savings
Tax Rules for Roth TSP to Roth IRA Rollovers
Many federal employees choose to rollover their Roth Thrift Savings Plan to a Roth IRA. But the rules are complicated. Ed Zurndorfer explains the rules and provides practical examples