TAX TIDBIT: EARLY DISTRIBUTION FROM QUALIFIED PLANS & IRA’S

Funds deposited into qualified retirement plans, such as 401(k) plans and penRetirement Nest Eggsion plans, and into traditional IRA’s are intended for retirement purposes.  As a result, the IRS generally imposes a 10% excise tax penalty (in addition to paying regular tax on the amount of the distribution) from distributions from either type of plan prior to the taxpayer reaching age 59-1/2.  However, financial circumstances may dictate a taxpayer needing to take these qualified retirement funds prior to reaching this age.  In certain cases, these early distributions will escape the 10% penalty tax (but will still be taxable income), if they meet one of the following exceptions:

  • Distributions (does not apply to IRA’s) you receive after separating from service in or after the year you reach age 55.
  • Distributions taken out  over your life expectancy annually.       These annual distributions must be made for at least 5 years or      upon reaching age 59-1/2, whichever is later.
  • Distributions taken out to pay for deductible unreimbursed medical expenses (in excess of the 10% adjusted gross income threshold).
  • IRA distributions made to unemployed individuals for health insurance premiums.
  • IRA distributions made for purchase of a first home, up to $10,000.
  • Distributions received due      to death or permanent disability.
  • Distributions (but not      IRA’s) received from an ex-spouse under a qualified domestic relations      order as a result of divorce.

Roth IRA distributions work differently from qualified retirement plans or traditional IRA’s.  As long as the Roth IRA plan has been established for at least 5 years and you are at least 59-1/2 years old, there is no tax at all on Roth IRA distributions.  However, if you are in need of these funds, you are allowed to withdraw your cumulative unrecovered Roth IRA contributions at any time, and for any reason, without incurring tax or an early withdrawal penalty.

If you have the need to take out qualified retirement funds or IRA funds prior to reaching age 59-1/2, we can help you navigate through these confusing IRS regulations.  Please contact Andrew Ross, CPA at Bedard, Kurowicki & Co., CPA’s at (908) 782-7900 or email adr@bkc-cpa.com.