Transfer from 401(a) Plan to SEP-IRAs

[Oh so SIMPLE]

May this type of transfer be made on a trustee-to-trustee basis and continue the tax deferral (rather than individually elected rollovers to IRAs)?

If so, would that effectively be a 401(a) plan termination if all the assets were so transferred?

If not allowed now, has there ever been a time when this type of transfer be made on a trustee-to-trustee basis and continue the tax deferral?

[Bird]

You mean, can the plan sponsor just decide to transfer funds from a plan to an IRA? No. I don't think it was ever permitted.