Retirement Retirement Planning

11 Legit IRA Early Withdrawal Options (With No Penalties)

Learn how to access your IRA funds without breaking the bank.

couple with finance documents
Updated Sept. 24, 2024
Fact checked

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

You’ve been diligently contributing to your IRA for a secure retirement. But what if an unexpected financial crisis hits before you reach retirement age, and you need to supplement your income?

Tapping into your IRA might seem tempting, but there are strict IRS rules to consider. Generally, withdrawals before age 59 1/2 incur a 10% penalty on top of income taxes.

However, there are exceptions. In this article, we explore 11 situations where you can access your IRA funds penalty-free.

Steal this billionaire wealth-building technique

The ultra-rich have also been investing in art from big names like Picasso and Bansky for centuries. And it's for a good reason: Contemporary art prices have outpaced the S&P 500 by 136% over the last 27 years.

A new company called Masterworks is now allowing everyday investors to get in on this type of previously-exclusive investment. You can buy a small slice of $1-$30 million paintings from iconic artists, all without needing any art expertise.

If you have at least $10k to invest and are ready to explore diversifying beyond stocks and bonds,see what Masterworks has on offer. (Hurry, they often sell out!)

Permanent disability

Daisy Daisy/Adobe woman in wheelchair shopping

If you become permanently disabled before age 59 1/2, you can start withdrawing funds from your traditional IRA without paying a 10% tax. You’ll likely need to provide medical records that document and verify your permanent disability. 

As with all withdrawals, you’ll report the withdrawal amount as income on your taxes.

Want to learn how to build wealth like the 1%? Sign up for Worthy to get ideas and advice delivered to your inbox.

Out-of-pocket, unreimbursed medical expenses

ARTFULLY-79/Adobe worried about medical fee

If your insurance plan doesn’t cover certain costly medical expenses (or if you don’t have health insurance to begin with), you can withdraw IRA money to cover these bills. However, there are a few caveats.

First, you have to pay the medical bills during the same calendar year in which you withdraw the funds. Second, you’re only exempt from the 10% tax on withdrawals that cover medical expenses totaling more than 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).

Health insurance premiums during a period of unemployment

Nikish H/peopleimages.com/Adobe nurse with a senior patient

Health insurance premiums are expensive, especially if you’re unemployed and your employer doesn’t pay a portion of the premium. 

If you lose your job and need to pay an out-of-pocket premium for your household’s health insurance, you can make a fee-free IRA withdrawal to cover the cost.

Earn $200 cash rewards bonus with this incredible card

There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card(Rates and fees) has no annual fee and you can earn $200 after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.

The Active Cash Card puts cash back into your wallet. Cardholders can earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases — easy! That's one of the best cash rewards options available.

This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable). Which is great for someone who wants a break from high interest rates, while still earning rewards.

The best part? There's no annual fee.

Click here to apply now.

Tuition, books, room and board, and other higher education costs

Brian Jackson/Adobe saving for education

Struggling to pay for college, either for yourself, your spouse, or one of your dependents? You might be able to make a withdrawal that pays for certain expenses without incurring the 10% early withdrawal tax.

However, only a certain portion of a withdrawal made for college expenses is tax-free. Consult IRS Publication 970 or meet with a tax professional to understand how much of your education-related early withdrawal will be taxed.

Adding a child to your family through birth or adoption

Serhii/Adobe mother with baby in buggy

For a full year after a child’s birth or adoption, you can withdraw up to $5,000 from your IRA without paying the 10% tax. Married? Your partner can withdraw $5,000, tax-free, from their own IRA as well.

Purchasing your first home

Zoran Zeremski/Adobe holding keys of her new home

If you’re buying or building your first home, you can withdraw up to $10,000 from your IRA to contribute toward costs. If you’re married, your spouse can also withdraw $10,000 from their own IRA without paying an early withdrawal tax.

Note that from the IRS’s perspective, anyone who hasn’t owned a home for the previous two years is a first-time homebuyer. So, even if you aren’t technically a first-time buyer, you might still qualify for a tax-exempt withdrawal.

Military reservists or National Guard members called to active duty

Bumble Dee/Adobe us military personals standing in queue

Individuals in the National Guard and other military reservists may be called to active duty in the military at any time. If they are, qualified reservists can withdraw money from their IRA without paying a 10% withdrawal tax.

However, you must be on active duty for at least 179 days to qualify. Plus, you can’t withdraw funds before you deploy or after you return and expect to avoid the 10% tax. Instead, you must take money out of your account while actively serving.

Terminal illness

motortion/Adobe  terminally ill mother

If you receive a diagnosis of a terminal illness, you’re allowed to start making early withdrawals from certain retirement funds, including 401(k)s, without paying a 10% withdrawal tax. 

In this case, a “terminal illness” refers to a disease that a qualified physician believes will end in death within roughly seven years (84 months).

IRS levy for unpaid taxes

Deemerwha studio/Adobe online for tax payment

In some cases, the IRS can levy money directly from your IRA to pay the federal taxes you owe. In this case, you don’t need to (and shouldn’t) withdraw those tax repayment funds yourself.

The IRS imposes the levy itself and withdraws funds directly, but if you withdraw money with the intent to pay the IRS, you’ll pay the 10% early-withdrawal tax.

If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources

Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.

How to become a member today:

  • Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today” 
  • Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions 
  • Start enjoying your discounts and perks!

You’ll also get insider info on social security, job listings, caregiving, and retirement planning. And you’ll get access to AARP’s Fraud Watch Network to help you protect your money, as well as tools to help you plan for retirement.

Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.

Become an AARP member now

Domestic abuse

fizkes/Adobe extending hand forward saying no

If you’re the victim of domestic abuse, either by a married spouse or a domestic partner, a new law lets you withdraw up to $10,000 tax-free from your IRA. You need to make the withdrawal within a year of the domestic abuse incident.

Federally declared disasters

burnstuff2003/Adobe Earthquake damage

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) might declare a disaster in your area in the case of a devastating wildfire, earthquake, hurricane, or other natural disaster. 

If you experience financial hardship as a result of one of these events, you can likely withdraw as much as $22,000 from your IRA without paying the 10% tax. However, you will have to meet eligibility requirements for disaster relief.

Bottom line

insta_photos/Adobe serious middle aged business man

Tapping into your retirement savings should be a last resort. If you're facing financial hardship, explore all other options first, such as cutting back on expenses or seeking temporary employment. 

Remember, withdrawing funds from your IRA means sacrificing potential future growth and could impact your ability to have a stress-free retirement.

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

5.0
info

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Current Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks
Card Details