A qualified plan loan must typically be repaid within how many years to avoid being taxed as a distribution?

A qualified plan loan must be repaid within five years to avoid being taxed as a distribution. This timeframe is established to maintain the tax-deferred status of the retirement account. If the loan is not repaid within this period, it may be treated as a distribution, leading to potential taxation and penalties for the borrower.

The five-year requirement is a standard guideline that applies to most qualified plans, particularly when the loan is not used to purchase a primary residence, which allows for different repayment terms. This ensures that the borrower's access to their retirement funds remains structured and that the plan can continue to grow tax-deferred for the benefit of the employees.