IBM 401(k) Plan
Armonk, New York
IBM 401K plan details: employer match info, participant login access, withdrawal options, and full plan review. 2026 data with contacts, details.
Plan Analysis
IBM, in the Professional & Technical Services sector and headquartered in New York, manages a 401(k) program with $60.4B in total plan assets across 49,030 active participants, established 41 years ago. Plan assets grew 5.2% year-over-year, reflecting solid investment returns and contributions. With an average balance of $1.2M per participant, this plan ranks well above the national median 401(k) balance of approximately $35,000. Participants contributed an average of $19,187 each through employee deferrals. Distributions totaled $6.4B (11% of assets), reflecting normal retirement and separation activity. IBM sponsors 2 retirement plans, providing employees with diverse savings options.
Use our 401(k) calculator to see how your contributions could grow, or review the 2026 IRS limits.
IBM 401(k) Data Insights
Key observations from the most recent Form 5500 filing
- Legacy plan: Established 41 years ago (1983), making it one of the longest-running 401(k) plans in its sector. Long-established plans often have more favorable terms and lower administrative costs.
- Higher expenses: Plan expenses of $6.4B represent 10.6% of assets, above the industry average. Participants should review fund expense ratios within their accounts.
- Strong returns: The plan generated $9.2B in investment income (15.2% of assets), reflecting favorable market conditions and investment selection during the filing year.
- Active savers: Average participant contributions of $19,187 per year utilize 78% of the $24,500 annual limit - above the national average of approximately 7-8% of salary.
- Low loan usage: Participant loans of $147.3M represent just 0.2% of plan assets - well below the industry average, suggesting strong employee financial wellness.
How IBM Compares
Comparison against 284 employer 401(k) plans in our database
| Metric | IBM | Database Median | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. Balance per Participant | $1.2M | $140K | ▲ 780% above median |
| YoY Asset Growth | 5.2% | 12.9% | ▼ Below median |
| Total Assets vs. Professional & Technical Services Sector | $60.4B | $6.5B | ▲ 831% above sector median |
IBM 401(k) Plan Features
Plan features derived from DOL Form 5500 filing data
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Roth 401(k) | Available - after-tax contributions with tax-free qualified withdrawals |
| Investment Options | Company Stock (IBM) |
| 401(k) Loans | Available - up to 5 years |
| Company Stock | Available as an investment option (limit to 10-15% of portfolio to manage concentration risk) |
| Plan History | Established 1983 - 41 years of retirement benefits |
How to Maximize Your IBM 401(k)
Consider increasing your contribution rate annually - even 1% more per year adds up significantly over time
Evaluate the Roth 401(k) option if you expect your tax rate to be higher in retirement
Use 401(k) loans only as a last resort - they reduce your retirement savings growth
Use our 401(k) calculator to project your retirement savings and find the right contribution rate
Use our 401(k) calculator to project your savings growth, or check how much free match money you could earn.
Contact Information
Plan Sponsor
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
ONE NEW ORCHARD ROAD, MD 261, ARMONK, NY 10504
Filing Information
EIN: 13-0871985
Plan Effective Date: 1983-07-01
Source: DOL Form 5500 (Latest Filings)
IBM 401(k) Withdrawals
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Age 59½+ Withdrawals | Penalty-free withdrawals available after age 59½ |
| Rule of 55 | Penalty-free if you leave IBM at age 55+ |
| Hardship Withdrawals | Check with plan administrator |
| 401(k) Loans | Available - up to lesser of $50,000 or 50% of vested balance (5-year term) |
| Rollover | Roll over to new employer plan or IRA when leaving IBM |
| Total Distributions (Latest Filing) | $6.4B paid to departing/retired participants |
| Outstanding Loans | $147.3M in active participant loans |
IBM Stock (IBM)
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2026 Contribution Limits for IBM 401(k)
See the full breakdown in our 2026 contribution limits guide, including rules for catch-up contributions (50+) and super catch-up (60-63).
| Category | Limit | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Employee Deferral | $24,500 | Standard elective deferral limit for all participants |
| Catch-Up (Age 50+) | +$8,000 | Additional contributions for participants age 50 and over (total: $32,500) |
| Super Catch-Up (Age 60-63) | +$11,250 | SECURE 2.0 enhanced catch-up for ages 60-63 (total: $35,750) |
| Total Annual Additions (415 Limit) | $72,000 | Maximum combined employee + employer contributions |
| Compensation Cap | $350,000 | Maximum compensation considered for contributions |
| IBM Avg. Employee Deferral | $19,187 | 78% of the $24,500 limit (based on latest Form 5500 filing) |
| IBM Avg. Employer Contribution | $0 | Employer contributes $0 total across 49,030 participants |
IBM 401(k) Plan Details
Data from DOL Form 5500 (Latest Filings)
| Plan Name | Active Participants | Total Assets | Employer Contributions | Participant Contributions | 401(k) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IBM 401(K) PLAN | 49,030 | $60.4B | N/A | $940.8M | Yes |
| THE IBM SECURED BENEFIT ARRANGEMENT | 0 | $229K | N/A | N/A | Yes |
Plan Type Details
Primary Plan: IBM 401(K) PLAN
Plan Types: DC (401(k)); DC (Money Purchase); DC (Other); Offset; 2O; 3J; DC (Target Benefit); DC (Stock Bonus); DC (SIMPLE 401(k))
Funded By: Trust Insurance
Financial Summary
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Assets (Beginning of Year) | $57,428,691,008 |
| Total Assets (End of Year) | $60,393,785,196 |
| Employer Contributions | $0 |
| Participant Contributions | $940,757,089 |
| Total Distributions | $6,384,314,942 |
| Total Income (Gains/Losses) | $9,164,451,732 |
| Total Expenses | $6,420,377,439 |
| Outstanding Participant Loans | $147,343,819 |
Participant Breakdown
Plan Review & Rating
Editorial rating based on DOL Form 5500 data
Ratings are based on publicly available plan data, participant feedback, and industry benchmarks. Individual experience may vary. This is not financial advice. Data sourced from DOL Form 5500 filings.
People Also Ask About IBM 401(k)
The IBM 401(k) match competitiveness depends on the formula and vesting schedule. Compare it with industry averages where the typical employer match is between 3-6% of salary. Review the specific match percentage and vesting timeline with your HR department.
Vesting schedules determine when employer match contributions fully belong to you. Common schedules include immediate vesting, 3-year cliff vesting, or 6-year graded vesting. At IBM, with $0 in annual employer contributions across the plan, understanding your vesting timeline matters before considering a job change. Contact IBM HR for the exact vesting schedule.
Withdrawals from your IBM 401(k) are generally available after age 59½, upon separation from service, disability, or financial hardship. The plan processed $6.4B in distributions during the last filing year. Early withdrawals before age 59½ may be subject to a 10% penalty plus income taxes. The Rule of 55 allows penalty-free withdrawals if you leave IBM at age 55 or older.
Yes, you can roll over your IBM 401(k) to a Traditional IRA (for pre-tax funds) or Roth IRA (for Roth 401(k) funds). With an average balance of $1.2M per participant, a direct rollover avoids the mandatory 20% withholding that applies to indirect rollovers. Contact your plan administrator or the receiving IRA custodian to initiate the transfer.
Many Fortune 500 companies, including IBM, have auto-enrollment features. With 49,030 active participants and $940.8M in annual employee deferrals, the plan demonstrates strong participation. Auto-enrollment typically starts at 3-6% of salary with annual escalation. You can opt out or change your contribution rate at any time through the plan provider portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
IBM offers an employer match through their 401(k) plan. The exact match formula may vary by plan and employment status. Contact IBM HR or your plan administrator for the specific match formula applicable to your situation.
You can access your IBM 401(k) account through the plan provider's participant portal. The plan serves 49,030 active participants. If you're a current or former employee, use the login link above or contact the plan administrator at the phone number listed on this page. First-time users will need to register using their Social Security number and date of birth.
For 2026, IBM 401(k) participants can contribute up to $24,500 in employee deferrals. Participants aged 50+ can contribute an additional $8,000 in catch-up contributions (total $32,500). Those aged 60-63 can make super catch-up contributions of $11,250 (total $35,750). Currently, IBM participants contribute an average of $19,187 per year in employee deferrals. Employer contributions are separate from these limits.
Many IBM 401(k) plans offer loan provisions. As of the latest filing, IBM participants had $147.3M in outstanding loans (averaging $3,005 across participants with active loans). The IRS limits 401(k) loans to the lesser of $50,000 or 50% of your vested balance. With an average account balance of $1.2M in the IBM plan, the maximum potential loan amount for a fully vested participant would vary accordingly. Check with your plan administrator for specific loan terms, or see our withdrawal rules guide.
When you leave IBM, you have several options for your 401(k): keep it in the plan (if the balance is over $7,000), roll it over to a new employer's plan, roll it to an IRA, or take a cash distribution (subject to taxes and potential penalties). In the most recent filing year, the plan processed $6.4B in distributions to departing or retired participants. Employer match contributions may be subject to a vesting schedule.
According to the most recent Form 5500 filing, the IBM 401(k) plan has 49,030 active participants managing $60.4B in plan assets. The average account balance is $1.2M per participant.
Many major employers, including IBM, offer both traditional pre-tax and Roth after-tax 401(k) contribution options. Given that IBM participants average $19,187 in annual deferrals, choosing between Roth and traditional depends on whether you expect your tax bracket to be higher or lower in retirement. Contact the IBM plan administrator for availability.
The IBM 401(k) plan typically offers a range of investment options including target-date funds, index funds, actively managed funds, and potentially company stock. The plan generated $9.2B in total investment income during the last filing year. Use our 401(k) calculator to project growth, or log into your account to see current options.
IBM (IBM) may offer company stock as an investment option within the 401(k) plan. Be mindful of concentration risk - financial advisors typically recommend limiting company stock to no more than 10-15% of your portfolio, especially given that your employment income already depends on IBM's performance.
401(k) Guides & Tools
Learn more about managing your IBM 401(k)
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Disclaimer: Information on this page is sourced from public DOL Form 5500 filings and is provided for educational purposes only. This is not financial, tax, or investment advice. Plan details may have changed since the last filing. Always consult your plan administrator, HR department, or a qualified financial advisor for the most current information about your 401(k) plan. 401K.is is not affiliated with IBM or their plan providers. Stock data for IBM is provided by Polygon.io and may be delayed.
Last updated: March 2026 | Data source: DOL Form 5500 (Latest Filings) | Filed: 2025-07-18