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If you don’t satisfy both points, a withdrawal of earnings is likely to come with income taxes and penalties. Some exceptions, outlined below, allow you to avoid the 10% early withdrawal penalty — but not taxes — on certain early distributions that aren’t qualified. Early withdrawals of Roth IRA contributionsIt might give you peace of mind to know Roth IRA contributions can be tapped in a pinch. They’re not a replacement for an emergency fund or an excuse to live above your means, but if things get dire, they can be a source of quick cash. If you take a Roth IRA early withdrawal, contributions come out first, which is a rare move by the IRS to make things easier on you. You don’t have to worry about taxes — or about accounting for which portion of your distribution comes from earnings, and which from contributions — unless you pull out more than you’ve contributed. Amounts converted into the Roth IRA come out next, on a first-in, first-out basis, and earnings come out last. Advertisement
Early withdrawals of Roth IRA earningsNeed to tap earnings? That’s where things get hairy. You get to take qualified distributions tax-free. Trouble is, the IRS’s definition of a qualified distribution is narrow, and a distribution of earnings before age 59½ probably won’t meet it.
First, to avoid both income taxes and the 10% early withdrawal penalty, you must have held a Roth IRA for at least five years. This condition is satisfied if five years have passed since you first made a contribution to any Roth IRA, not necessarily the one you plan to tap. (There is an exception, however: If you’ve converted assets from a traditional IRA or 401(k) into a Roth IRA, each converted amount has its own five-year clock. Here's more on the Roth five-year rules.) Second, you must be age 59½ or older, permanently and totally disabled or using the money for a first-time home purchase (and for that last one, there’s a $10,000 lifetime limit). Beneficiaries are also able to take qualified distributions after the death of the account owner. If you don’t meet both rules for qualified distributions, the IRS will waive the penalty (but not taxes) if you take a distribution for one of these reasons:
Outside of those criteria, you may be taxed and penalized on an early withdrawal of earnings. Depending on your tax rate, that could eat a third to half of the taxable portion of your distribution. In other words: With the exception of rare and dire circumstances, a Roth IRA early withdrawal isn't worth it. When can you withdraw from Roth IRA without paying taxes?People over 59½ who've held their accounts for at least five years old can withdraw contributions and earnings with no tax or penalty. Special exceptions apply for those who are under 59½ or don't meet the five-year rule if they make withdrawals for a first-time home purchase, college expenses, or other situations.
What are the exceptions for Roth IRA early withdrawal?Exceptions to the 10% additional tax apply to an early distribution from a traditional or Roth IRA that is: Made to a beneficiary or estate on account of the IRA owner's death. Made because you're totally and permanently disabled.
What is the 5 year rule for Roth IRA?The 5-year rule on Roth conversions requires you to wait five years before withdrawing any converted balances — contributions or earnings — regardless of your age. If you take money out before the five years is up, you'll have to pay a 10% penalty when you file your tax return.
How can I withdraw money from my IRA without paying taxes?Only Roth IRAs offer tax-free withdrawals. The income tax was paid when the money was deposited. If you withdraw money before age 59½, you will have to pay income tax and even a 10% penalty unless you qualify for an exception or are withdrawing Roth contributions (but not Roth earnings).
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