My situation is similar but a bit more involved...the fact pattern is below best I can remember.
1. Took out a loan 2010 time frame
2. A few years later (April 4th 2013) I was notified my account was defaulted. I was shocked to hear that. My pay stubs indicated I was making payments toward my loan via payroll deduction. I had not received any indications payments were being made untimely.
3. I asked how did this happen, the answer was " because we pay on the 1st & 15th, the plan required us to pay every 2 weeks"
4. I asked "How can we make this right?" The answer I recieved was " There is nothing that can be done" WOW!! not good. My next question was " What are my options? The answer was "nothing"
6. I chose to "cash out" of my account via hardship w/draw and pay the penalties and taxes. I did not feel comfortable leaving any money entrusted to our companies trustee. I got 2 W-9's as expected for $16,500 and $3,600. I believe 1 had an L1 and the other simply a 1 ID label.
8. I put this train wreck behind me and continued my employment but refused to participate in any company sponsored plan. I did not question the company owner or office manager any further.
9. Last year I found out the previous plan sponsor (AXA Equitable) was no longer the plan sponsor and a new company (Paychex) would be our company sponsor. Again, I chose not to participate. I signed nothing and simply excused myself from the sales pitch.
10. Currently we are doing our personal taxes and was asked by our tax preparer how things had worked out. I explained the story and she suggested I look into the matter for any loose ends.
11. I called AXA for a account summary. They informed me I had $739 transferred into my "new account" with Paychex and they will have all the paperwork I requested . I knew nothing about having any money "laying around"
12. I asked a few questions of our office manager (the same one) "How do I access my account information and from whom?" She gave me the account login info I needed for Paychex. I also asked when my money was transfered her reply was "April of this year" After logging in I discovered my money had been transferred in Aug 2016. It has been sitting in a Vanguard Conservative Fund to this day. I asked who decided to place the money into that fund, her response was " I guess they did"
In summary, I am trying to access my account history for tax purposes. AXA was a dead end, the owner of the company told me he would "get someone in here that could clear things up" My office manager explained she would pull my AXA paperwork but found nothing. She then offered the contact info for the 401K Generation rep. I called him yesterday and asked for any signed documentation or paperwork he responded saying "he has nothing" I have yet to contact Paychex but will later today or tomorrow. My main concern moving forward is any tax liabilities I may or may not have. I would hate to get called out by the IRS.
In closing, I simply would like an apology and or any money due me if any errors were made by someone other than me. Thank you for hearing my story and any input, comments or suggestions offered. Cheers