What are “IRA transfers” and “IRA rollovers”?

A “rollover” occurs when an individual requests a distribution from an IRA/QRP (Qualified Retirement Plan) and then “rolls” the assets into another IRA. An individual is limited to one rollover per year. A “transfer” is when IRA assets are moved directly from one financial institution to another without the IRA owner taking possession of the assets. Unlike rollovers, there is no limit on how many transfers can be executed in a year.