B3-4.3-03, Retirement Accounts (06/30/2015)

Vested funds from individual retirement accounts (IRA/SEP/Keogh accounts) and tax-favored retirement savings accounts (401(k) accounts) are acceptable sources of funds for the down payment, closing costs, and reserves. The lender must verify the ownership of the account and confirm that the account is vested and allows withdrawals regardless of current employment status.

If the retirement assets are in the form of stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, the account must meet the requirements of B3-4.3-01, Stocks, Stock Options, Bonds, and Mutual FundsB3-4.3-01, Stocks, Stock Options, Bonds, and Mutual Funds, for determining value and whether documentation of the borrower’s actual receipt of funds is required when used for the down payment and closing costs. When funds from retirement accounts are used for reserves, Fannie Mae does not require the funds to be withdrawn from the account(s).