If you withdraw money from a traditional IRA before you turn 59 ½, you must pay a 10% tax penalty (with a few exceptions). The same rule applies if you withdraw investment earnings from a Roth IRA. The exceptions involve cases in which you use the withdrawal to pay for college expenses, to buy your first home (up to $10,000) or for medical expenses greater than 7.5% of your AGI (adjusted gross income) after age 65 or 10% if you’re under age 65, or in case of disability. For more, see Can I take money from my IRA without penalty?
