How to name beneficiaries and fund a trust at ShareBuilder 401k
Covers 5 retirement accounts — beneficiaries can be managed online
ShareBuilder 401k Customer Support
ShareBuilder Advisors, LLC, 801 2nd Ave Suite 1400, Seattle, WA 98104
ShareBuilder 401k Customer Support
ShareBuilder Advisors, LLC, 801 2nd Ave Suite 1400, Seattle, WA 98104
Plan Sponsor Support / Participant Services
ShareBuilder Advisors, LLC, 801 2nd Ave Suite 1400, Seattle, WA 98104
Who inherits your ShareBuilder 401k retirement retirement accounts is determined by the beneficiary designation on file—not by your will. This makes keeping designations current one of the most important estate planning steps, especially because the choice of beneficiary also affects how inherited distributions are taxed.
ShareBuilder 401k has 5 retirement accounts with different estate transfer rules. Here is how beneficiary designations, trust ownership, and probate apply to each one.
Required Documents
- Trust name, date established, and tax ID (EIN or SSN)
Special Requirements
- Under ERISA, a married participant's spouse is the automatic primary beneficiary of the 401(k) account unless the spouse provides written, notarized consent to name a different beneficiary
- Solo 401(k) plans covering only the owner with no employees may not be subject to ERISA; the plan document governs beneficiary rules in that case
- Beneficiary designations should be reviewed and updated after major life events (marriage, divorce, birth of a child)
- Plan participants can update beneficiary designations at any time through the online participant portal
Sources
Data sourced from ShareBuilder 401k primary sources (13 pages reviewed). How we research.
Download these ShareBuilder 401k instructions
Download instructions for the whole estateA printable PDF with the steps, required documents, and contact details — verified against ShareBuilder 401k primary sources. Bring it to the branch or keep it beside the phone.
ShareBuilder 401k Customer Support
ShareBuilder Advisors, LLC, 801 2nd Ave Suite 1400, Seattle, WA 98104
ShareBuilder 401k Customer Support
ShareBuilder Advisors, LLC, 801 2nd Ave Suite 1400, Seattle, WA 98104
Plan Sponsor Support / Participant Services
ShareBuilder Advisors, LLC, 801 2nd Ave Suite 1400, Seattle, WA 98104
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