Anyone get TSP to accept rollover in from Vanguard?

[rodentranch]

Retiree here, trying to do a partial rollover from my Vanguard traditional IRA into my traditional TSP account. Vanguard cut a check made to the TSP, which they mailed to me with a "IRA Distribution Form" I mailed the check, the Vanguard form, and the TSP's own form to the TSP.

TSP says they can't process it, that Vanguard didn't send the right form. Vanguard says it's the only form they ever use, that it should work fine, and that the problem is with the TSP.

Anyone here ever been able to get the TSP to accept funds from a Vanguard IRA?

[BelieveGod]

I have rolled over my TSP 401(k) to my Fidelity IRA with no issues. You are doing the opposite transfer, so that may not help.

[$$$AllIn2026]

Your Vanguard IRA would have to be an employer plan, not your own personal.
Call TSP. Hopefully you will get a person that can actually think and not just repeat what the computer says.

Roll Over Money Into the Plan
We offer two ways to roll over money into your TSP account. You can either call us so we can help you through our free Assisted Rollover-In Concierge Service or you can complete the process on your own by clicking the "Self-Service Rollover-In" button below.

Let Us Help You. Call 1-833-935-0964 to speak to a Rollover Specialist.
Rolling over eligible money from a previous employer or from an IRA can be confusing and time-consuming. Our free Assisted Rollover-In Concierge Service connects you with a qualified professional who can help you with the process from beginning to end to make it easier to keep your money invested for your retirement.

A rollover specialist will assist you throughout the process, including contacting the providers who administer the account(s) you wish to roll into the TSP. The specialist will verify that all paperwork is completed and in good order as well as ensuring that the funds to be consolidated are properly directed to the TSP.

If you choose Self-Service, you must:
Enter your rollover information online in order to receive your "Next Steps for Your Rollover Contribution" form.

Mail, Fax, or Upload the "Next Steps for Your Rollover Contribution" form and your Distribution Statement as one package to the ThriftLine Service Center.

Mail or Scan your Rollover Check.

Rollover Amount Eligibility
Eligible Amounts
What Types of Money Can Be Rolled Over?
Ineligible Amounts
What Types of Money Can’t Be Rolled Over?
Frequently Asked Questions related to Self-Service Rollovers
Which Employer Plan Types Are Eligible?
What Documentation Do I Need to Send?
How Do I Send My Documentation?
How Should the Check Be Made Out?
Do I Need to Choose a Beneficiary?
Can I combine my Civilian and Uniformed Services accounts?
Need Assistance?
Contact the ThriftLine Service Center if you need any help with your rollover-in request.

[rodentranch]

It's a personal plan I funded by money originally rolled out from the TSP. Rolling it back to the TSP isn't allowed?

[jimcasada]

Not sure if I would trust someone that just joined our website last week. Is $$$AllIn2026 a certified fiduciary? What's the name of their organization? Website? Reviews & references?

[evilanne]

$$$AllIn2026 is just quoting from the TSP website
"Let Us Help You. Call 1-833-935-0964 to speak to a Rollover Specialist."
To get there you have to log in to your TSP and select "Roll Over In" from the top bar

I'm Not planning on rolling anything back in to TSP but I'm really happy with Fidelity where I transferred most of my outside accounts to in late 2024. They transferred stocks, funds etc. There were a few things that had to be sold (e.g. they don't accept fractional shares) before being transferred but they have special department that deals with transferring accounts.

[$$$AllIn2026]

Not sure if I would trust someone that just joined our website last week. Is $$$AllIn2026 a certified fiduciary? What's the name of their organization? Website? Reviews & references?

I only post about things that I do know about, or from credible sources. And I ask questions about what I don't know.

[Aitrus]

It's ok, jimcasada. I have access to some decent Admin tools, and I'm confident he's not some spammer logging in from Pakistan or something. Not everyone who joins is brand new and doesn't know anything. I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. Thus far, he's given decent advice in his posts.

That being said...

AllIn, it's generally a good idea to include the source - or at least explain where you got the information if linking directly is impractical - when you post something that reads as authoritative or official. When you post things like "We offer two ways to roll over money into your TSP account..." without citing where you pulled it from, it reads as if you're saying that YOU are offering two ways to roll over the reader's money. The way you posted the information implies that you're copy-pasting from somewhere, and it's unclear if it's from the official TSP site or if it's from a financial management firm trying to drum up business. The former is fine, but the latter would be considered spam and we'd need to delete it.

Not saying you're wrong for posting like you did - what you posted was good info if it came from the TSP site - it's just that it's incomplete and a little bit confusing because the source you pulled from isn't clear. evilanne chimed in and clarified where you likely got the info from, so it's all good. I'm just providing some advice for future contributions to the forum - which I sincerely hope you continue to make.

[Bubba823]

Your Vanguard IRA would have to be an employer plan, not your own personal.
Call TSP. Hopefully you will get a person that can actually think and not just repeat what the computer says.

Completely false.

Below is directly from the TSP website.

"We will accept both direct and indirect rollovers of tax-deferred money from traditional IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, and eligible employer plans such as a 401(k) or 403(b) to the traditional balance of your account."

I know from personal experience that TSP accepts rollovers in from personal IRAs.

[$$$AllIn2026]

Aitrus & evilanne, thank you, you're right, without citing the source my reply could be interpreted as SPAM.
However, the TSP phone number as well as TSP and ThriftLine being mentioned 6 times in what I copied directly from the TSP website should have made members realize that this was not fake. Sorry for any confusion.
I get it - that's the way spammers trick people out of their money. I hate it too.

BTW jimcasada, I am a postal worker, was an ET, now a custodian in Wallingford, CT.

[evilanne]

I just confirmed where you got your info. Always good to verify and very good & relevant info
for original poster