401(k) Loan

A loan taken from the assets within a 401(k) account; 401(k) loans charge interest and are normally paid back through payroll deductions. If the borrower leaves an employer before a 401(k) loan has been repaid, the full amount of the loan is generally due. If the borrower fails to repay the loan, it is considered a distribution, and ordinary income taxes may be due along with any applicable tax penalties. Note: under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, you don't have to pay taxes or the penalty if you repay the loan by the due date of your tax return for the year that you leave your job (including extensions). For example, if you leave your job in 2020, you'd have until April 15, 2021, to repay the loan.