Typically, the government penalizes savers who withdraw funds from tax-deferred retirement accounts prior to age 59 1/2 with a 10% withdrawal penalty; however, certain exceptions exist.
One major advantage is being able to withdraw funds without penalty when buying their first home and covering some college expenses; another exception, starting in 2024, will apply only in cases of domestic violence.
IRAs
IRAs are tax-advantaged accounts designed to help individuals save for retirement. Individuals can contribute to either traditional IRAs, which provide tax deferral, or Roth IRAs which don’t. Both types can hold investments such as mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Self-employed individuals may also set up Simplified Employee Pension Plans – SEP IRAs – similar to traditional IRAs but which allow employers to contribute on behalf of employees instead.
Under certain conditions, early withdrawal penalties from an IRA or 401(k) account can be waived; however, you still owe income taxes on any money withdrawn. These exceptions serve as a reminder that before tapping your retirement savings without consulting with a financial advisor first is unwise.
Avoiding penalties by using your IRA funds for qualified higher education costs for yourself, your spouse, children or grandchildren can save penalties from accruing. Such costs include tuition fees, books supplies equipment room and board. Military reservists called into active duty after Sept 11 2001 who receive certification that they are terminally ill can also avoid this fee.
401(k)s
As a general rule, withdrawals made from traditional 401(k), 403(b), or Roth equivalent accounts before age 59 1/2 may incur a 10% penalty in addition to ordinary income taxes. The IRS allows early withdrawals under certain circumstances; such as retiring early or changing jobs early. They could also pay medical expenses.
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The tax code requires individuals with money in a 401(k) or its Roth equivalent to remain invested until reaching the RMD age, which for those born after 2023 will be 73. There are, however, exceptions to this penalty-free withdrawal rule which could prove relevant in your situation.
403(b)s
These tax-advantaged retirement savings accounts, commonly known as 403(b), can provide employees of certain educational organizations, non-profit employers, hospital service organizations and self-employed ministers access to tax-deferred retirement savings accounts with tax advantages. Similar to 401(k) plans, 403(b) contributions have an identical contribution limit but those working for their current employer for 15 years or longer can make special catch-up contributions of up to $15,000.
As with IRAs, 403(b) contributions can be made pre-tax to reduce taxable income and investment earnings grow tax deferred until retirement when withdrawals will be taxed as ordinary income. Some plans also permit participants to make post-tax Roth contributions.
Although 403(b)s follow similar rules to IRAs for withdrawals, most plans impose strict guidelines regarding when participants can make early withdrawals without incurring a 10% early withdrawal penalty in addition to income taxes. As an example, most employers only permit employees to make early withdrawals at age 59 1/2 without incurring penalties for early withdrawals; otherwise they could incur both.
457(b)s
A 457(b) retirement account is offered exclusively to public sector employees. Similar to other tax-deferred plans such as 401(k)s or 403(bs, but with several key differences:
A key distinction between 457(b)s and 401(k)s lies in ownership: money saved in a 457(b) account is not yours but instead belongs to your employer, which could prove both advantageous and disadvantageous should your employer declare bankruptcy or be subject to creditors of their creditors in this event.
At most governmental 457(b) plans, contribution limits are similar to 401(k)s and 403(b). Furthermore, some sponsors offer special catch-up contribution features for individuals over age 50 to contribute twice the annual limit – enabling most people to double their retirement savings each year! To avoid interference with other types of accounts requiring RMDs such as mutual funds and life insurance policies; alternatively this option should only be used in emergency situations outside your control.
