What constitutes a lump-sum distribution from retirement plans?

A lump-sum distribution refers to the payment of the total balance of a retirement plan to a participant in a single payment, rather than through a series of payments. This distribution is typically considered when a participant withdraws the entire account balance from a retirement plan, such as a 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored plan.

The key characteristic of a lump-sum distribution is that it involves the total amount accrued in the plan up to that point, often resulting in immediate tax implications and potential penalties if taken before a certain age.

The first option, distribution of a portion of the account balance, does not fit the definition of a lump-sum distribution since it involves only a part of the account rather than the total amount. The fourth choice, distribution only after retirement, is misleading as a lump-sum distribution can occur before retirement under certain conditions. The remaining option, distribution of all accounts under employer's plans, goes beyond a single plan and does not accurately describe what a lump-sum distribution entails, which is focused on a single plan's total balance.

Thus, the correct understanding of a lump-sum distribution centers on the complete withdrawal of all the assets within one retirement plan at a given time.