Are federal and state tax rates the same for 401K distribution as ordinary income?

You will pay state taxes on the 401-K only to the state of residence for when the withdrawal occured. If all of your career was is California (2-9% tax rates), but you retire and move to a state with no state income tax (Nevada, Florida, Texas, etc.) there would be no state tax.

California tried a few years ago to track down and tax former residents, but the federal courts made them back down.

Hope this helps.

Depends on the state and if 401K is the main source of income for a calender year then the amount that is received through the distribution determines the tax rate......

This also depends on age...age 65 plus is most likely the best tax age because you are in a lower tax bracket during retirement.

I'm 20. If I take out my 401K now..very small amount..it will be taxed at my tax bracket for what i make for the year.

So: Age, income amount, and geographical location all have an impact on how a 401K distribution is taxed. Because I know neither for you..its hard to really answer your question "what is the current tax rate?"

Note: Its important to say that there is usually a 10% withholding off the top and a possible 20% penalty if under retirement age.

Funds in a 401(k) cannot be withdrawn without penalty if you are under 59 1/2. I do not know what the penalty is, as I am nowhere near that age, and have no intention of touching the account until then.

Beyond that age, any funds taken out is simply added onto your income, just like salary, etc. and fully taxed at your marginal rate in effect at the time, at both state & federal levels.

I can't envision a scenario where your 401(k) earnings would be tax free to the state unless you worked for a state agency. I did work for a woman employed by the MD government and her 401(k) distributions were tax free in MD. However, if you don't work for your state in some capacity, I think you will pay state tax.

Think about the logic for a second. 401(k) money comes out of your wages, which are subject to tax. The tax is deferred on those wages when you put money into a 401(k); why would you not have to pay taxes later on money you deferred taxes on previously?

401k State Tax

You might live in a state where there is no income tax, too, but most states piggy back on the fed law.

Assuming you meet all the requirements to avoid a penalty tax, yes.

you meet the requiments but just make sure you get before the penality