The TAG 401(k) plan is a separate, optional, retirement plan offered by the Animation Guild, in addition to the automatic retirement plans through the Motion Picture Industry Pension and Health Plan (MPI). MPI retirement accounts include a Pension (a Defined Benefit Plan) and the Individual Account Plan (IAP for short). For more details about the MPI plans click here.
Please note:
The Animation Guild 401(k) Plan is not sponsored by employers, so it is a “no match” plan and there are never any “employer contributions.” This means you are making all of the contributions, and you are fully vested from day one.
TAG 401(k) Contributions can only be set up under your authority by contacting TAG directly. Payrolls and Studios are not allowed to make changes to TAG 401(k) deductions settings without authorization from TAG. This is required for the security of the plan and for the tracking required for yearly 401(k) plan audits. TAG is responsible to the IRS and DOL for all aspects of this large, multi-employer plan and must be the source for all communications involved in TAG 401(k) contributions.
The Animation Guild 401(k) Plan is not automatic and requires your initiative to get started and to continue running as your work status changes. The Animation Guild is not responsible for tracking your weekly paychecks and will not see changes that may affect your contributions. Any time something changes at payroll (such as your project, the season, or type of work), the contributions will likely stop. Even a short hiatus on a show can stop the deduction process. It will always require your monitoring and input to continue running smoothly. Please contact us for help with any 401(k) issues or questions at 401k@tag839.org.
Enrollment
- Who is eligible for the TAG 401(k)?
The TAG 401(k) plan is available to TAG members and some other IA locals coved by special contracts.
- SPA (Sony Pictures Animation) – IATSE contract includes Local 600 and Local 700
- TSL (Disney Feature Animation) – IATSE contract includes Local 600 and Local 700
- WAG / Warner Bros. Pictures Animation – IATSE contract includes Local 700
- Bento Box Animation, LLC – TAG839 contract includes Local 700
- Nickelodeon Animation Studios, Inc. – TAG839 contract includes Local 700
- Robin Red Breast, Inc. (Titmouse) – TAG839 contract includes Local 700
- Shadow Animation, LLC (Shadow Machine) – TAG839 contract includes Local 700
- Wild Canary Animation, Inc. – TAG839 contract includes Local 700
To become eligible to enroll, you need to have a total of 90 days of work at any signatory studio under the TAG 401(k) plan arrangements. It is a no-match plan where a member can contribute 2% to 40% per paycheck, up to the annual cap set by the IRS each year.
- How do I enroll in the TAG 401(k) for the first time?
If you want to get a 401(k) started quickly, you will find a brief description of choices and forms on this page.
- I need to change my payroll deductions.
If you would like to change (or stop) your payroll deductions, please complete and return an Enrollment/Change Request form. If you have questions, call the Guild’s HR/Benefits Manager Priscilla Cordova at 818-845-7500, ext. 119 or email to 401k@tag839.org.
- What do I do if my deductions have stopped?
If you are participating in The Animation Guild 401(k) plan and have recently changed studios, or if you had a hiatus and have returned to work at the same studio, your 401(k) deductions may have stopped. If there are no deductions showing on your paystub, or if you have questions, call the Guild’s HR/Benefits Manager Pricilla Cordova at 818-845-7500, ext. 119 or send an email to 401k@tag839.org asking for assistance getting your 401(k) deductions started back up.
- What are TAG 401(k) plan auto-enrollment events?
Periodically, some studios will elect to have an auto-enrollment event. These events are limited in nature and do not occur every year.
When an event is about to occur, employees at the participating studio are selected based on full-time employment status with the 90-day employment requirement already established at the studio location. All affected employees are sent legally required communications by mail and email announcing the event and given the option to decline participation in the event.
Learn more about auto-enrollment and past aut0-enrollment events here.
Plan Details
- Where do I view my 401(k) account?
You can view your 401(k) account using the Vanguard app or through the Vanguard website here. The website will provide you with your account information, the ability to adjust your investments, and more.
To sign up for online account access, visit the Vanguard register page here. When you get to the drop-down menu, choose Plan Number and enter: 094523.
To sign up by phone, call Vanguard Participant Services 800-523-1188. Associates are available Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST.
If any of your personal information on file at Vanguard is not correct and you have difficulty setting up a log-in, we can correct those issues. Call the Guild’s HR/Benefits Manager Priscilla Cordova at 818-845-7500, ext. 119 or email to 401k@tag839.org.
- What are my current 401(k) investment choices?
A comprehensive listing of all current investment choices can be found here.
- What are the TAG 401(k) Plan highlights?
TAG 401(k) plan highlights can be found in the Full-Feature Enrollment Kit here.
- How do Roth 401(k) contributions work?
Roth type contributions are taxed at the time of deduction from your pay (unlike traditional tax-deferred 401(k) contributions). Then when you take it out at retirement you won’t get taxed on the investment growth. It is designed as an incentive to invest in retirement early.
The Tag 401(k) Plan allows both traditional pre-tax 401(k) (tax-deferred) contributions as well as Roth 401(k) contributions at the same time. Both types of contributions will be housed in one TAG 401(k) Plan account together. It does not require a new account separate account for this. Vanguard tracks the origin of the contributions and keeps records of growth to both types in the account. Roth 401(k) contributions can be set up using the long format enrollment form.
- What are target-date investments?
A target-date investment saves you time and effort by making it easier to choose investments. You can pick one or more target-date investments and let the investment professionals do the rest for you.
The year in the investment fund is the target retirement date. As you get closer to retirement, your investment will become less risky. Each target-date investment has a mix of investments that’s good for your age now—and will change to stay appropriate for your age as you move closer to your retirement goal.
- What are the plan's distribution options for me to access my money?
TAG 401(k) Plan Distributions
There are several ways to access your money: regular withdrawals, hardship withdrawals, and loans.
Regular withdrawals: partial withdrawal or complete account closure
You are allowed to move the money out of the plan 90 days after you leave employment under Local 839 jurisdiction or if you are over the age of 59 1/2. Also “rule of 55” withdrawals are allowed.
Hardship withdrawals
You may withdraw all or part of your original contributions (excluding interest) if you prove financial hardship.
The IRS defines hardship as an “immediate and severe financial need”, as described in the U.S. Department of the Treasury Regulations Section 1.401(k)-1(d).
In-Service Distributions
The Treasury Department has set regulations for withdrawal of funds for specific reasons. Read about in-service distributions here.
Loans: general purpose or principal residence
Not technically a distribution (a distribution is a permanent removal of funds), a loan allows you to borrow money from your account. The maximum loan amount may not exceed the lesser of one half your account balance or $50,000. A 401(k) loan must be repaid within five years for a general-purpose loan; up to 30 years for a loan taken to purchase a principal residence.
More information about these distribution options can be found on the 401(k) Plan distributions page.
Plan Documents
- Where can I find the TAG 401(k) Plan forms?
On this page you will find forms to enroll in the TAG 401(k) Plan or to make changes to your contribution percentage, type of contribution, and Studio/Payroll location personal info on file with Vanguard.
- I want to read a summary of the TAG 401(k) Plan.
This summary document offers a simplified description of the 401(k) Plan.
- Fee Disclosure Notice
This document contains information regarding the fees that will be charged to your account for administration of the plan. It is important to also review your quarterly account statement for disclosure of the dollar amount charged to your account for these services and a description of the services to which these fees relate.
- Investment Policy Statement
The Investment Policy Statement assists the Trustees of The Animation Guild 401(k) Plan in supervising, monitoring, and evaluating the investment alternatives of the plan.