There are many reasons to retire early, whether for health benefits, a career change, or to pursue your passions. However, withdrawing funds from an IRA account prior to reaching the age of 59 and a half typically results in a 10% penalty in addition to normal taxes. In this article, Black Forest Global will show you five ways to avoid penalties while earning an income from your investments.
Non-Retirement Assets
If you have accumulated a post-tax nest egg of cash or other investment assets, you will not be subject to penalties and will only owe tax on the gains realized. It is recommended that newly retired individuals withdraw from these assets first, allowing pre-tax assets in IRAs and 401(k)s to grow tax-deferred. Naturally, keeping some cash on hand is always a good idea, so avoid completely depleting your checking and savings accounts.
Roth IRA Basis
People frequently forget that they have access to Roth IRA contributions at any age, whether or not they are retired. You will only face a penalty and tax if you withdraw your earnings from Roth accounts early. However, because this is one of the few tax-free investment accounts available, it is not usually recommended.
Substantially Equal Periodic Payments (Rule 72t)
Another method recommended for only those with substantial retirement savings is Rule 72(t). This allows an individual to begin receiving income from a retirement account at any age without penalty, but you must continue that income stream for 5 years or until reaching the age of 59 and a half, whichever is longer. There are several IRS-approved methods for determining how much income you may receive based on your age, account balance, and the federal mid-term interest rate at the time. These contributions can be made to a single IRA or to multiple IRA accounts at the same time.
The Age 55 Rule
The age 55 rule, which only applies to 401(k) and 403(b) plans, is a useful tool for those who plan to retire in the calendar year in which they turn 55 or older but have not yet reached the age of 59 and a half. This means you can withdraw as much money as you want from your company plan as long as you retired or left your job in the year you turned 55 or older, avoiding the 10% withdrawal penalty. As a result, you should either leave your account in your employer-sponsored plan or only roll over a portion to an IRA, leaving enough in the 401(k)/403(b) to take income until age 59 and a half.
Exceptions to the Early Withdrawal Penalty
There are a few other possibilities for accessing retirement funds early while avoiding the 10% penalty. If any of the following apply, you may be able to avoid paying penalties:
- You are rendered completely and permanently disabled.
- You apply the funds to qualified higher education.
- You use the money to buy your first home (up to $10,000).
- You pay medical expenses that exceed 10% of your adjusted gross income.
- You use the funds to pay your health insurance premiums while unemployed.
Retiring early is a significant event regardless of the circumstances that led to your decision. You'll want to approach this transition with carefulness and foresight. If you have any questions, reach out to a financial professional. Contact Black Forest Global for additional information and assistance on how to achieve your goals.
By: Victoria Harris
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