In an emergency, you may need to tap your those funds, but getting money out of your company's 401(k) plan can be especially tricky before you reach the official distribution age of 59 ?. A financial professional can help you determine which of the many withdrawal options is most suitable for your situation.

The three most common ways to access 401(k) funds are hardship withdrawals, non-hardship withdrawals and loans.

Hardship Withdrawals

While you are employed by the company that offers a 401(k), you usually have an opportunity to access savings under certain hardship conditions. The drawback however, is that qualifying for this provision can be difficult. Just as the IRS has its list of qualifying financial hardships (medical expenses or disability), individual plans often do as well. That means you must qualify under both sets of rules, which may be more difficult.

Another drawback of a hardship withdrawal before age 59 ?, is the 10% penalty on whatever you've withdrawn. The withdrawal is also taxed as income. Taxes and penalties can make a hardship withdrawal expensive.

Non-Hardship Withdrawals

Not every plan allows non-hardship withdrawals. If yours does, you have an opportunity to take money out of your account and redistribute it as you see fit. Generally the best bet is to roll the amount into an IRA. That way you avoid taxes, and you have a larger range of investment options, usually with lower administrative fees. Rollovers made directly to the owner of the 401(k) must be reinvested in a qualified plan within 60 days or be faced with a 10% penalty.

Loans

If you're in a bind, a loan may be your only remaining option. A loan from your 401(k) allows you to borrow against your savings. Some use restrictions similar to those for hardship withdrawals. The loan must be paid back, usually within five years, and loans cannot be rolled over into an IRA. However, if you leave a company and still have an outstanding 401(k) loan, you're oftentimes required to pay it back in a short amount of time, usually one to two months.

Always consult with a professional before making an early 401(k) withdrawal. The tax consequences and the impact on your future retirement savings can be serious. To be sure you're making the right choice go over all your options, and pay close attention to the rules and regulations of your individual plan. Just like the plan holders themselves, each plan is different. Doing your homework before hand and seeking professional advice can help you avoid any painful surprises.