Questions to ask your IRA custodian when transferring a TSP

Mar 27, 2026 | TSP

Since it is 2026, the TSP has significantly updated its technology and services. Most notably, they now offer a Rollover Concierge Service and In-Plan Roth Conversions.

Here are two scripts tailored for the most common scenarios. Use the one that fits your current goal.

Scenario A: Moving Money OUT of the TSP (Into an IRA)

Use this if you are retired or separated and want to move your TSP funds to a private provider like Fidelity, Schwab, or Vanguard.

The Goal: Ensure the custodian accepts the check correctly so it isn't coded as a taxable withdrawal.

You: "Hi, I am a federal employee/retiree and I’m looking to perform a direct, trustee-to-trustee rollover from my Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) into my IRA here.

  1. Can you provide the exact 'Payable To' instructions for the check? (It should usually be [Custodian Name] FBO [Your Name]).

  2. What is the specific mailing address where the TSP should send the rollover check?

  3. Does your firm allow for electronic rollover deposits, or must the TSP mail a physical check?

  4. I have both Traditional and Roth balances in my TSP. Can you confirm that you have both a Traditional and Roth IRA open for me so we don't accidentally mix pre-tax and after-tax funds?"

Scenario B: Moving Money INTO the TSP (Consolidation)

Use this if you have an old 401(k) or a Traditional IRA and want to move it into the TSP for lower fees or simpler management.

The Goal: To get your custodian to release the funds without withholding the 20% tax.

You: "I’d like to initiate a direct rollover of my [IRA or 401k] assets into my Thrift Savings Plan account.

  1. I am working with the TSP Rollover Concierge. Do you have a specific department or phone number my TSP specialist should call to coordinate the paperwork?

  2. What forms do you require from your side to authorize a Trustee-to-Trustee transfer?

  3. Can you confirm that no federal taxes will be withheld from this distribution, since it is going directly to a qualified plan?

  4. (If moving an IRA): Can you verify how much of this balance is 'cost basis' (after-tax) versus pre-tax? The TSP only accepts pre-tax Traditional IRA funds."

3 Vital "Verification Questions" (To avoid the 10 Errors)

Before you hang up, ask these three questions to double-check the work of the representative:

  1. "To be 100% clear, this is being processed as a 'Direct Rollover' and NOT a 60-day 'Indirect Rollover,' correct?" (Avoids the 60-day deadline trap).

  2. "Will you be sending me a check, or will you be sending it directly to the other institution?" (If they send it to you, it must be made out to the institution, not you personally).

  3. "I am [Age]. Have my Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) for this year already been satisfied?" (Avoids the error of rolling over an RMD).

2026 Update: The "In-Plan" Shortcut

If your goal was to move money from a Traditional TSP to a Roth IRA just to "convert" it, check your TSP "My Account" portal first. As of January 2026, the TSP now allows Roth In-Plan Conversions. You can now flip Traditional TSP funds to Roth TSP funds without ever moving the money out of the plan.

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