Withdrawing that money earlier can trigger taxes and an 10% early withdrawal penalty. The 5-year rule for Roth IRAs requires you to hold your account for at least five years in order to avoid paying taxes or even penalties on the earnings in your Roth IRA.

What is the 5-year rule for Roth IRAs?

The first Roth IRA five-year rule is used to determine if the earnings (interest) from your Roth IRA are tax-free. To be tax-free, you must withdraw the earnings: On or after the date you turn 59½ At least five tax years after the first contribution to any Roth IRA you own5.

When is a withdrawal from a Roth IRA taxable?

Your withdrawal from a Roth IRA won’t be taxable under three circumstances: You withdraw no more than the amount of your original contributions, regardless of your age. You’re age 59 1/2 or older, and you’ve had your Roth for five years or longer, measured from the first day of the year in which you established and contributed to it.

How old do you have to be to withdraw money from a Roth IRA?

Age 59 and under. You can withdraw contributions you made to your Roth IRA anytime, tax- and penalty-free. However, you may have to pay taxes and penalties on earnings in your Roth IRA. Withdrawals from a Roth IRA you’ve had less than five years.

What’s the maximum amount you can withdraw from a Roth IRA?

Withdrawals from a Roth IRA you’ve had more than five years. You use the withdrawal (up to a $10,000 lifetime maximum) to pay for a first-time home purchase. You use the withdrawal to pay for qualified education expenses. You use the withdrawal for qualified expenses related to a birth or adoption.

Is there a penalty for early withdrawal from a Roth IRA?

Withdrawals must be taken after age 59½. Withdrawals must be taken after a five-year holding period. There are exceptions to the early withdrawal penalty, such as a first-time home purchase, college expenses, and birth or adoption expenses. You can withdraw contributions you made to your Roth IRA anytime, tax- and penalty-free.