FAQs About Your Google 401(k)
As a Google employee, you have access to one of the most generous 401(k) plans in the tech industry. Here are the answers to the most common questions about Google's 401(k) plan.
How much can I contribute to my Google 401(k) in 2026?
The employee contribution limit for 2026 is $24,500, up from $23,500 in 2025. This applies to the total of your pre-tax and Roth contributions combined. Older employees have even more leeway:
If you're age 50 or older, you're eligible for catch-up contributions of an additional $8,000, bringing your total potential contribution to $32,500.
If you’re age 60 through 63, you can contribute an even higher catch-up amount of $11,250 in 2026, for a total of $35,750.
The total contribution limit (combining employee contributions, employer match, and after-tax contributions) has increased to $72,000 for 2026.
What is Google's 401(k) match?
Google matches 100% of your contributions up to $3,000 or 50% of your contributions up to the IRS annual limit, whichever is greater. For 2026, the IRS contribution limit has increased to $24,500, which means if you contribute the maximum, Google will add an additional $12,250 with no strings attached. (Catch-up contributions are not matched by Google.)
When do Google's 401(k) matching contributions vest?
Google's 401(k) matching contributions vest immediately. This means you have full ownership of both your contributions and Google's matching funds from day one. Even if you leave the company shortly after the match is deposited, those funds belong to you entirely. This immediate vesting is a major advantage for Google employees, since most companies require you to wait several years before taking ownership of matching funds.
Can I make both pre-tax and Roth contributions?
Yes, Google's 401(k) offers flexibility in how you contribute. You can split your $24,500 annual contribution between pre-tax (traditional) and Roth contributions in whatever proportion makes sense for your tax situation.
Pre-tax contributions reduce your taxable income now, while Roth contributions are made with after-tax dollars but allow for tax-free withdrawals in retirement. For many employees, using both types will create the ideal tax flexibility in retirement.
Am I automatically enrolled in Google's 401(k)?
Yes, employees are automatically enrolled at a 10% contribution rate upon hire. The default investment is the target retirement fund for the year nearest when you will reach age 65.
While automatic enrollment helps ensure you start saving immediately, you should review these default settings to determine if they align with your financial goals. You can adjust both your contribution rate and investment selections at any time.
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What is the mega backdoor Roth strategy at Google?
The mega backdoor Roth is one of the most powerful features of Google's 401(k) plan. Google lets employees make additional after-tax contributions to their 401(k) accounts, up to the overall limit of $72,000. These after-tax contributions can then be converted into Roth dollars. Here's how it works:
After you've maxed out your regular $24,500 contribution and received Google's $12,250 match (totaling $36,750), you can contribute an additional $35,250 in after-tax dollars to reach the $72,000 limit.
These after-tax contributions can be converted into Roth dollars through in-plan Roth conversion or a rollover to a Roth IRA.
Once converted, both contributions and earnings can grow tax-free. This strategy allows high earners to contribute significantly more to a Roth account than they could through direct Roth IRA contributions, which come with income restrictions.
Who administers Google's 401(k) plan?
Google offers its 401(k) plan through Vanguard. You can access your account online through Vanguard's retirement plan portal. Vanguard provides customer service support for questions about your account, investment options, and transactions.
What investment options are available?
Google's 401(k) offers a diverse selection of investment funds. The plan includes:
Target-date retirement funds
Index funds
Actively managed funds across various asset classes, including U.S. equities, international equities, fixed income, and REITs
Target-date funds are designed to automatically adjust their asset allocation as you approach retirement, becoming more conservative over time. If you prefer more control, you can build a custom portfolio from the available fund options to match your specific risk tolerance and investment goals.
What happens if I joined Google mid-year after contributing to a previous employer's 401(k)?
If you transfer to Google from another company, you must account for any current calendar year contributions you've already made to your previous employer's 401(k) plan. The $24,500 limit applies to the total of all your 401(k) contributions across all employers in a calendar year.
For example, if you have already contributed $10,000 this calendar year to your previous employer's plan, you can only contribute $14,500 to the Google plan after starting. This also impacts your employer match, since that match is based on what you contribute to their plan specifically.
How do I change my contribution rate or investment elections?
You can adjust your contribution rate and investment selections at any time by logging into your account through Vanguard's retirement plan portal. Changes typically take effect within one to two pay periods.
If you receive a raise or bonus, consider increasing your contribution percentage to boost your retirement savings without impacting your take-home pay. Even small increases can make a significant difference over time thanks to compound growth.
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How do I designate beneficiaries for my Google 401(k)?
You can update your beneficiary designations by logging into your Vanguard account online.
If you're married, federal law requires your spouse to be your primary beneficiary unless they sign a written waiver consenting to a different beneficiary designation. This spousal consent typically must be notarized. If you're single, you can name anyone as your beneficiary, including children, parents, siblings, friends, trusts, or charitable organizations.
It's important to review and update your beneficiary designations regularly, especially after major life events such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or death of a beneficiary. Your beneficiary designation takes precedence over your will, so keeping it current ensures your 401(k) goes where you intend.
Is my Google 401(k) protected from creditors?
Yes, 401(k) plans like Google's are generally protected from creditors under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). This means if you face a lawsuit, bankruptcy, or other financial difficulties, creditors typically cannot access the funds in your 401(k) to satisfy debts.
However, there are some exceptions to this protection. The IRS can place a levy on your 401(k) for unpaid federal taxes. Additionally, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) can require that a portion of your 401(k) be paid to a former spouse or dependent as part of a divorce settlement or to satisfy child support or alimony obligations.
How do RMDs work with my Google 401(k)?
Once you reach age 73 (or age 75 if you were born in 1960 or later), you're generally required to start taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your 401(k). RMDs are minimum amounts you must withdraw each year, and they're calculated based on your account balance and life expectancy using IRS tables.
However, if you're still working at Google at age 73 or beyond and you don't own 5% or more of the company, you can delay taking RMDs from your Google 401(k) until you retire. This "still working" exception only applies to your current employer's plan. If you have 401(k) accounts from previous employers or traditional IRAs, you must take RMDs from those accounts starting at age 73, even if you're still working.
RMDs are taxed as ordinary income. If you fail to take your RMD, the penalty is steep: 25% of the amount you should have withdrawn (reduced to 10% if you correct the error within two years).
Important note: RMDs only apply to traditional, pre-tax retirement funds. Roth accounts are not subject to RMDs during your lifetime.
What happens to my 401(k) if I leave Google?
When you leave Google, you have several options for your 401(k):
Leave it where it is: You can keep your money in Google's plan and continue managing your investments through Vanguard.
Roll it to a new employer's plan: If your new employer offers a 401(k), you may be able to roll your Google 401(k) into that plan.
Roll it into an IRA: You can roll your 401(k) into a traditional IRA or Roth IRA (the Roth conversion may have tax implications).
Cash out: You can withdraw the funds, though this typically results in taxes and penalties if you're under age 59½.
Because your contributions and Google's match are immediately vested, 100% of your account balance belongs to you regardless of how long you worked at the company.
Preparing for Your Future
Google's 401(k) plan stands out as one of the best retirement benefits in the tech industry. With a great employer match, immediate vesting, and the mega backdoor Roth option, Google gives employees plenty of opportunities to build wealth. However, knowing your Google 401(k) is just the first step. Making the most of your retirement benefits takes careful planning and plenty of know-how.
At TrueWealth Financial Partners, we specialize in helping you protect and grow your wealth as you transition to retirement. As fee-only fiduciary advisors, we don't sell products or earn commissions. We focus 100% on your financial future, covering all aspects of financial planning. No matter your goals, we can help you create a customized plan that works for you.
Ready to take control of your financial future? Schedule a free intro call with TrueWealth Financial Partners today. Let's explore what retirement could look like for you and develop a strategy to get you there with confidence.
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