SECURE 2.0 Act Expands Early Withdrawal Exceptions
9/2/2023
Tax-advantaged retirement accounts such as 401(k) plans and IRAs are intended to promote long-term retirement savings and thus offer preferential tax treatment in return for a commitment to keep savings in the account until at least age 59½. Withdrawals before that age may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty on top of ordinary income tax. However, there is a long list of exceptions to this penalty, including several new ones added by the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022.
Before considering these exceptions, keep in mind that the greatest penalty for early withdrawal from retirement savings could be the loss of future earnings on those savings (see chart). Even so, there are times when tapping retirement savings might be necessary. Some employer plans allow loans that may be a better solution than an early withdrawal. If a loan or other resources are not available, these exceptions could help. They apply to both employer-sponsored plans and IRAs unless otherwise indicated.
Death or permanent disability of the account owner
Before considering these exceptions, keep in mind that the greatest penalty for early withdrawal from retirement savings could be the loss of future earnings on those savings (see chart). Even so, there are times when tapping retirement savings might be necessary. Some employer plans allow loans that may be a better solution than an early withdrawal. If a loan or other resources are not available, these exceptions could help. They apply to both employer-sponsored plans and IRAs unless otherwise indicated.
New Exceptions
The SECURE 2.0 Act added the following exceptions to the 10% early withdrawal penalty. Withdrawals covered by these exceptions can be repaid within three years. If the repayment is made after the year of the distribution, an amended return would have to be filed to obtain a refund of any taxes paid.Disaster Relief
Up to $22,000 for expenses related to a federally declared disaster; distributions can be included in gross income equally over three years (effective for disasters on or after January 26, 2021)Terminal Illness
Defined as a condition that will cause death within seven years as certified by a physician (effective 2023)Emergency Expenses
One distribution of up to $1,000 per calendar year for personal or family emergency expenses; no further emergency distributions allowed during three-year repayment period unless funds are repaid or new contributions are at least equal to the withdrawal (effective 2024)Domestic Abuse
The lesser of $10,000 (indexed for inflation) or 50% of the account value for an account holder who certifies that he or she has been the victim of domestic abuse during the preceding one-year period (effective 2024)Exceptions Already in Place
These exceptions to the 10% early withdrawal penalty were in effect prior to the SECURE 2.0 Act. They cannot be repaid unless indicated.Death or permanent disability of the account owner
- A series of substantially equal periodic payments for the life of the account holder or the joint lives of the account holder and designated beneficiary
- Unreimbursed medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of adjusted gross income
- Up to $5,000 for expenses related to the birth or adoption of a child; can be repaid within three years
- Distributions taken by an account holder on active military reserve duty; can be repaid up to two years after end of active duty
- Distributions due to an IRS levy on the account
- (IRA only) Up to $10,000 lifetime for a first-time homebuyer to buy, build, or improve a home
- (IRA only) Health insurance premiums if unemployed
- (IRA only) Qualified higher education expenses
Lost Opportunity
An early retirement plan withdrawal could end up costing more than you might imagine, even without the 10% penalty. Income taxes will reduce the present value of the withdrawal, and you will lose the potential long-term growth on the amount withdrawn. This hypothetical example is used for illustrative purposes only and does not represent the performance of any specific investment. Fees and expenses are not considered and would reduce the performance shown if they were included. Rates of return will vary over time, particularly for long-term investments. Actual results will vary.
