Well, based on my research it seems the best option is to keep the funds where they are. We are in our 30s so we won’t be taking withdrawals for some time and therefore the four year tax exempt window would not apply to us. I’m certainly not going to give up their status in protected tax shelters either. I’ll consult an international tax advisor on the matter. Specifically will I be taxed by the US government on 401k withdrawals (that would be my only “income” in the USA). Roth IRA and 529s go in after taxes, and come out tax free. Also would the NZ IRD tax us on this if we are permanent residents or citizens, in addition to the US taxes? So many questions…