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There are two basic types of distributions you can take from your Roth IRA: qualified and non-qualified. Qualified distributions generally take place after the owner is 59 ½, or when they have a permanent disability or pass away. Non-qualified distributions are those that happen at any other time. Additionally, a Roth IRA must have been opened for at least five years for distributions to be qualified. Roth IRAs also aren’t subject to RMDs the way traditional IRAs are. That allows you to grow your money without triggering a tax penalty.
If you want help with Roth IRA distributions, consider working with a financial advisor.
What Are Qualified Roth IRA Distributions?
Qualified distributions from a Roth IRA are those that happen when a person is over 59 ½ years old and meets certain qualifications. The IRS spells out the rules for Roth IRA-qualified distributions. Generally, a distribution or withdrawal is qualified if it occurs at age 59 ½ or later. It’s also qualified if the IRA’s owner becomes permanently and completely disabled or if they pass away.
A distribution also is qualified when taken as a series of equal periodic payments. A Roth IRA-qualified distribution includes a withdrawal of up to $10,000 if the withdrawal is for the purchase of a first home.
However, a Roth IRA must be open for at least five years for any of the above distributions to count as qualified. The clock starts ticking on the first day of the first year you contributed to your Roth IRA. The upside of a Roth IRA-qualified distribution is that it isn’t part of your gross income. That means you won’t owe taxes or penalties on the withdrawal. That’s a significant difference from traditional IRAs, for which distributions are always taxable at your ordinary income tax rate.
What Are Non-Qualified Roth IRA Distributions?
A non-qualified Roth IRA distribution occurs when you withdraw earnings that don’t meet the requirements for tax-free treatment. While contributions to a Roth IRA can always be withdrawn tax- and penalty-free, the earnings portion is subject to specific rules. If those rules aren’t satisfied, the distribution is considered non-qualified. Specifically, that means the distribution is:
- Taken before age 59 ½
- Doesn’t meet the five-year requirement.
- Doesn’t qualify for an exception
Non-qualified distributions from a Roth IRA are generally subject to ordinary income tax on earnings as well as a 10% early withdrawal penalty. Exceptions help avoid that penalty.
The list of exceptions the IRS allows includes:
- Distributions used to buy, build, or rebuild a first home.
- Distributions that are part of a series of substantially equal periodic payments.
- Withdrawals made to cover unreimbursed medical expenses that are more than 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.
- Withdrawals covering health insurance premiums during unemployment.
- Distributions made to pay qualified higher education expenses.
- A distribution that’s the result of an IRS levy of your Roth account.
- Qualified reservist distributions.
Qualified and non-qualified distribution rules attempt to encourage savers to preserve their retirement accounts just for retirement. These exceptions, however, make it possible to access your savings penalty-free if you have certain financial needs you can’t cover with other savings or assets. Ordinary income tax would still apply to any earnings withdrawn through a non-qualified distribution.
It’s important to note that the five-year rule extends beyond age 59 ½. If you’re that age or older and take withdrawals from a Roth IRA that’s less than five years old, those would be non-qualified distributions. You’d pay taxes on withdrawals of your earnings but not the 10% early withdrawal penalty.
Tax-Free Roth IRA Withdrawals
The rules for distributions apply solely to withdrawals of earnings on your Roth IRA investments. The IRS includes a provision that allows savers to withdraw any of their original contributions tax- and penalty-free at any time. There’s no limit on the amount of contributions you can withdraw. However, not everyone can contribute to a Roth IRA. Your tax filing status and modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) determine whether or not you can contribute.
For 2026, single filers, married couples filing separately who don’t live together and heads of household can make a full contribution if their modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is less than $153,000. The MAGI limit for married couples filing jointly and qualifying widows and widowers is less than $242,000. You won’t be able to contribute at all if your MAGI is greater than $168,000 and $257,000, respectively.
Also, keep in mind that Roth IRA contributions are not tax-deductible. That varies from traditional IRAs, which allow you to deduct contributions based on your income and filing status.
Withdrawal strategies can shape how long your retirement savings last. Try SmartAsset’s retirement calculator to see how different withdrawal rates could affect your income over time.
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To estimate how much you may need to save for retirement, we begin by calculating how much you're expected to spend over the course of your retirement. This includes estimating the income you'll need based on your lifestyle preferences, then factoring in how many years you may spend in retirement. We assume a lifespan of 95 by default, though you can adjust it after your calculation is complete.
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Assumptions
Lifespan: We assume you will live to 95. We stop the analysis there, regardless of your spouse's age.
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When Should You Take Your Roth IRA Distributions?
Ideally, you shouldn’t need to tap into your Roth IRA until you retire. A Roth IRA-qualified distribution, for example, could create tax-free income. That income might supplement Social Security benefits, taxable 401(k) withdrawals, or annuity payments.
However, you may experience a financial hardship or emergency that requires a withdrawal from your Roth IRA. In that scenario, you’d want to weigh the tax implications carefully. You then must determine whether it is subject to ordinary income tax and the 10% early withdrawal penalty.
It may be helpful to talk to a tax professional about the implications of taking a non-qualified distribution from a Roth IRA. If you take an early distribution that’s subject to taxes and penalties, they can also help you file Form 5329 to report those distributions.
Bottom Line
Non-qualified Roth IRA distributions occur when you withdraw earnings before meeting key requirements, potentially triggering taxes and penalties. While contributions can always be accessed tax-free, understanding the rules around timing and qualifying conditions is essential to avoid unnecessary costs. With careful planning and awareness of IRS guidelines, you can protect the tax advantages of your Roth IRA and make more informed withdrawal decisions.
Roth IRA Tips
- A financial advisor can help you determine whether a Roth IRA should be part of your retirement plan. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
- Use SmartAsset’s asset allocation calculator to see how you should invest your money in your Roth IRA.
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