How to Withdraw Money From Your Roth IRA

You can take money out of your Roth IRA, but the rules depend on whether you're withdrawing contributions or earnings

The short answer: you can withdraw your own contributions at any time, tax-free and penalty-free. Withdrawing earnings (the investment gains) is more complicated—it depends on your age, how long you've held the account, and whether you meet certain conditions. The IRS treats these two parts of your balance differently, so knowing which money you're pulling out matters.

Your Roth IRA statement should show your contribution basis separately from earnings. If it doesn't, contact your provider and ask for a breakdown. You'll need this number before you withdraw anything beyond your contributions.

Key Takeaways

• You can withdraw contributions you've made to your Roth IRA at any time without taxes or penalties, regardless of your age.
• Withdrawing earnings before age 59½ typically triggers a 10% penalty plus income tax, unless you meet an exception like disability or a first-time home purchase.
• Your Roth IRA must be open for at least five tax years before you can withdraw earnings tax-free, even if you're over 59½.
• The IRS uses a specific ordering rule: withdrawals come from contributions first, then conversions, then earnings—so you may withdraw more than you think without penalty.
• Withdrawals from your Roth IRA do not reduce your future contribution room, unlike traditional IRAs.

Withdrawing contributions versus earnings

The IRS divides your Roth IRA balance into two buckets: contributions (the money you put in) and earnings (the growth). Contributions are yours to take out anytime. Earnings are locked until you meet two conditions: you must be 59½ or older, and your account must have been open for at least five tax years.

If you withdraw earnings before meeting both conditions, you owe income tax on that amount plus a 10% early withdrawal penalty. The penalty applies to the earnings only, not the contributions. For example, if your account holds $8,000 in contributions and $2,000 in earnings, and you withdraw $5,000 at age 45, the first $5,000 comes from contributions and faces no tax or penalty. But if you withdraw $10,000, the extra $2,000 is earnings and triggers both tax and the 10% penalty.

The five-year holding period rule

Even if you reach 59½, you cannot withdraw earnings tax-free unless your Roth IRA has been open for at least five tax years. This clock starts on January 1 of the year you open your first Roth IRA, not the day you fund it. If you opened your account on December 15, 2024, the five-year period runs from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2028.

This rule applies to each Roth IRA separately if you have multiple accounts. However, if you convert a traditional IRA to a Roth, a separate five-year clock starts for that conversion amount. You can withdraw the conversion itself after five years, but earnings on the conversion follow the age 59½ rule.

Exceptions that let you withdraw earnings early

The IRS allows penalty-free withdrawals of earnings before 59½ in specific situations, though you still owe income tax on the earnings. These exceptions include: disability (as defined by the IRS), death (your beneficiary can withdraw), a first-time home purchase (up to $10,000 lifetime), and may have access to education expenses. Some states also allow withdrawals for medical hardship, but this varies.

A first-time home purchase means you haven't owned a primary residence in the past two years. You can withdraw up to $10,000 total across all your Roth IRAs in your lifetime for this purpose. The money must be used within 120 days of withdrawal. If you're disabled, you'll need documentation from your doctor and the Social Security Administration or Railroad Retirement Board.

How to request a withdrawal from your provider

Contact your Roth IRA provider—the bank, brokerage, or investment company holding your account—and ask for a withdrawal form. Most providers let you request withdrawals online, by phone, or by mail. You'll need to specify the amount and your bank account for the transfer, or request a check.

The provider will process the withdrawal and send you a Form 1099-R showing the amount and type of distribution. Keep this form for your tax records. If you're under 59½ and withdrawing earnings, the provider may withhold 10% for federal income tax automatically, though this is not the same as the 10% penalty.

What happens if you withdraw too much

If you withdraw earnings before meeting the age and five-year requirements, you owe tax on those earnings plus the 10% penalty. You report this on your tax return using Form 5329. The penalty is calculated on the amount of early earnings withdrawn, not your entire withdrawal.

If you later realize you withdrew too much, you cannot put the money back into your Roth IRA in the same year—that would count as a new contribution and could exceed your annual limit. However, you can contribute to your Roth IRA in future years as normal. Your withdrawal does not reduce your contribution room for future years.

Roth conversions and the pro-rata rule

If you've converted money from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, the withdrawal ordering gets more complex. The IRS uses a pro-rata rule: when you withdraw from a Roth IRA, the withdrawal is treated as coming from contributions first, then conversions, then earnings. But if you have a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA, the rule looks at all your IRAs together.

For example, if you have a $50,000 traditional IRA and a $10,000 Roth IRA (all from conversions), and you withdraw $10,000 from the Roth, the IRS treats part of that withdrawal as coming from your traditional IRA for tax purposes. This can create unexpected tax bills. A tax professional can help you plan conversions and withdrawals to minimize this effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I withdraw my contributions without paying taxes?

Yes. Contributions you've made to your Roth IRA can be withdrawn at any time, at any age, with no taxes or penalties. Your provider should show your contribution basis on your statement. If you're unsure how much you've contributed, ask them for a detailed breakdown.

What if I need the money before age 59½?

You can withdraw contributions anytime. If you need earnings, you can withdraw penalty-free only if you meet an exception—disability, death, first-time home purchase (up to $10,000), or may have access to education expenses. Otherwise, you'll owe income tax plus a 10% penalty on the earnings portion.

Does withdrawing from my Roth IRA reduce my contribution limit next year?

No. Withdrawals from your Roth IRA do not count against your annual contribution limit. You can withdraw $5,000 this year and still contribute $7,000 next year (assuming that's your limit). This is different from traditional IRAs, where withdrawals can affect your deduction.

How long does it take to get my money after I request a withdrawal?

Most providers process withdrawals within three to five business days. If you request a check by mail, add time for delivery. Some providers offer faster processing for online transfers to your bank account. Contact your provider for their specific timeline.

What if I withdraw money and then want to put it back?

You cannot simply return the money to the same Roth IRA in the same year. However, you can contribute to your Roth IRA in future years as normal. If you withdrew earnings by mistake and owe a penalty, you may be able to correct it by filing an amended return, but this depends on your situation—consult a tax professional.