Confirm your plan allows withdrawals or distributions
Contact your 401(k) plan administrator or HR department
Request the distribution or rollover forms
Choose how you want the money paid out
Provide any required identification and tax forms
Decide whether to withhold taxes from the distribution
Review the tax and penalty consequences before submitting
Submit the completed paperwork
Wait for the distribution to be processed
Keep records of the transaction for tax filing
Report the distribution on your tax return if required