Author Topic: 401K Distributions - Exception to IRS Section 72(t)  (Read 2157 times)

tllewis4

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401K Distributions - Exception to IRS Section 72(t)
« on: May 12, 2015, 10:38:01 AM »
From what I've read on here there seems to be a point where you can have too much in a 401K/IRA. I came across an exception to the section 72(t) 10% penalty for early withdrawals; a "series of substantially equal periodic payments." You can essentially take periodic payments until your 59.5 or for 5 years, whichever is longer, and avoid the 10% penalty normally associated with early withdrawal. If this is the case, can you have too much in a 401K/IRA if you can make these sort of withdrawals penalty free?  It would make sense to me to max out 401K and IRA contributions for as long as you can before you reach FIRE, and then set up these equal payments.  Am I missing something????

seattlecyclone

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Re: 401K Distributions - Exception to IRS Section 72(t)
« Reply #1 on: May 12, 2015, 10:40:57 AM »
Yes, there's no such thing as "too much" in your retirement accounts. The substantially equal periodic payments can be a good option, as can the Roth conversion ladder. Most people should max out their retirement accounts.

Read more at https://seattlecyclone.com/accessing-your-retirement-accounts-early-yes-you-can/.

Cheddar Stacker

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Re: 401K Distributions - Exception to IRS Section 72(t)
« Reply #2 on: May 12, 2015, 10:42:05 AM »
From what I've read on here there seems to be a point where you can have too much in a 401K/IRA. I came across an exception to the section 72(t) 10% penalty for early withdrawals; a "series of substantially equal periodic payments." You can essentially take periodic payments until your 59.5 or for 5 years, whichever is longer, and avoid the 10% penalty normally associated with early withdrawal. If this is the case, can you have too much in a 401K/IRA if you can make these sort of withdrawals penalty free?  It would make sense to me to max out 401K and IRA contributions for as long as you can before you reach FIRE, and then set up these equal payments.  Am I missing something????

No.

No.

Often discussed around here. It really is a huge revelation though when you first come across this. Here are a few links discussing it in detail:

https://seattlecyclone.com/accessing-your-retirement-accounts-early-yes-you-can/ And...seattle just beat me to it.
http://jlcollinsnh.com/2013/12/05/stocks-part-xx-early-retirement-withdrawal-strategies-and-roth-conversion-ladders-from-a-mad-fientist/