Answer

Distributions of amounts contributed to your Roth IRA are always tax-free. The earnings accrued on those amounts are also tax-free if the distributions are < http://retirementdictionary.com/definitions/qualifieddistributionrothira qualified. If the distributions are not qualified, the earnings will be taxable and will be subject to the 10% http://retirementdictionary.com/definitions/earlydistributionpenalty early distribution penalty, unless an http://retirementdictionary.com/definitions/earlydistributionpenaltyexception exception applies. Bear in mind that under the http://retirementdictionary.com/definitions/orderingrulesrothira ordering rules, contributions are distributed first and earnings are distributed last. As such, if your distributions (over the years) do not exceed your aggregate contributions made over the years, the distribution amount will be tax and penalty free. REMINDER: You can fund a Roth IRA, only if your http://retirementdictionary.com/definitions/modifiedadjustedgrossincomemagi modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is below a certain amount. For these MAGI limits, click http://retirementdictionary.com/definitions/rothira" here. Answer provided by http://applebyconsultinginc.com/ Appleby Retirement Consulting Inc. Appleby Retirement Consulting Inc provides Consulting, Coaching and Content on IRAs and other retirement plans to Financial, Tax and Legal professionals.