What reasons can you withdraw from roth ira without penalty

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Retirement accounts aren’t always known for their flexibility, which is why the relaxed rules that apply to a Roth IRA early withdrawal stand out: Because these accounts are funded with after-tax dollars, you’re free to pull out contributions at any time.

You can tap a Roth IRA, up to the amount you’ve contributed, for any reason, ranging from the responsible (there’s a hole in your roof and your kitchen is now a swimming pool) to the frivolous (you want to build a rooftop swimming pool above your kitchen).

That doesn't mean you should tap the account. The following quiz will give you the quick answer to whether your Roth IRA early withdrawal will be taxed — or read on for more details below.

Quick rundown: the Roth IRA early withdrawal

  • If you want to withdraw contributions: After-tax contributions — commonly called "basis" — can be withdrawn at any time, for any reason, with no taxes or withdrawal penalties.

  • If you want to withdraw earnings: You must satisfy two requirements for a qualified distribution to avoid both taxes and the 10% early withdrawal penalty. First, you must have held a Roth IRA account for at least five years, a clock that starts ticking at the beginning of the year of your first contribution. Second, you must be at least 59½, disabled, dead (the distribution is taken by heirs) or using up to $10,000 toward a first-home purchase.

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 contributions

It 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.

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What reasons can you withdraw from roth ira without penalty

What reasons can you withdraw from roth ira without penalty

What reasons can you withdraw from roth ira without penalty

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Early withdrawals of Roth IRA earnings

Need 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.

Early distributions of earnings for these reasons are considered qualified: not subject to taxes or the 10% penalty

Early distributions of earnings for these reasons are considered exceptions: taxable as income, but not subject to the 10% penalty

You've held a Roth IRA for at least five years AND you are taking the distribution in one of the following circumstances:

  • You're age 59 1/2 or older.

  • You're permanently and totally disabled.

  • As a beneficiary of the Roth IRA after death of the account owner.

  • To use up to $10,000 for a first-time home purchase.

  • You're taking the distribution for qualified education expenses.

  • You’re withdrawing up to $5,000 in the year after the birth or adoption of your child.

  • You are taking the distribution for unreimbursed medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income for the year or for health insurance premiums while you are unemployed.

  • You are taking qualified reservist distributions (for members of the military reserve called to active duty).

  • You are taking a series of substantially equal distributions.

  • The distribution is due to an IRS levy.

  • You have not held a Roth IRA for at least five years, but you are 59 1/2 or older, permanently and totally disabled, inherited the Roth IRA after death of the account owner or using up to $10,000 for a first-time home purchase.

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:

  • Qualified education expenses

  • Unreimbursed medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income for the year

  • You withdraw up to $5,000 in the year after the birth or adoption of your child

  • Health insurance premiums while you are unemployed

  • Qualified reservist distributions (for members of the military reserve called to active duty)

  • A series of substantially equal periodic payments — recurring distributions designed to help you weather prolonged financial hardships before retirement age — which generally require that you take at least one distribution each year for five years or until you turn 59½, whichever comes later

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).