Tapping a Roth IRA for a House
You can withdraw contributions from a Roth IRA to help purchase your first home.
Question:
I am 28 and want to buy my first home. I’ve had a Roth IRA for four years. Can I withdraw money from the Roth for a down payment without penalty or taxes?
Answer: You can withdraw contributions from a Roth IRA at any time without taxes or penalties, and your first withdrawals are considered to be from contributions. After that, you can withdraw up to $10,000 in earnings from your Roth for a first-time home purchase without penalty, but you’ll have to pay taxes on the earnings unless you’ve had a Roth IRA for at least five years.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
As the "Ask Kim" columnist for Kiplinger's Personal Finance, Lankford receives hundreds of personal finance questions from readers every month. She is the author of Rescue Your Financial Life (McGraw-Hill, 2003), The Insurance Maze: How You Can Save Money on Insurance -- and Still Get the Coverage You Need (Kaplan, 2006), Kiplinger's Ask Kim for Money Smart Solutions (Kaplan, 2007) and The Kiplinger/BBB Personal Finance Guide for Military Families. She is frequently featured as a financial expert on television and radio, including NBC's Today Show, CNN, CNBC and National Public Radio.
-
Jabil Stock Pops After a Beat-And-Raise Quarter
Jabil stock is higher Wednesday after the electronics firm beat earnings expectations and raised its full-year outlook. Here's what you need to know.
By Joey Solitro Published
-
UBS Global's Solita Marcelli: It's a Green Light for U.S. Stocks in 2025
A strong economy, rate cuts and continued AI spending should support stocks in the new year, says UBS Global's chief investment officer, Americas.
By Anne Kates Smith Published
-
Getting Out of an RMD Penalty
retirement When your brokerage firm miscalculates your required minimum distributions, you have recourse.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
Borrowers Get More Time to Repay 401(k) Loans
retirement If you leave your job while you have an outstanding 401(k) loan, Uncle Sam now gives you extra time to repay it -- thanks to the new tax law.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
It’s Not Too Late to Boost Retirement Savings for 2018
retirement Some retirement accounts will accept contributions for 2018 up until the April tax deadline.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
How to Correct a Mistake on Your RMDs from IRAs
retirement If you didn't take out the correct required minimum distribution because your brokerage firm made a mistake, the IRS may show some leniency.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
Making the Most of a Health Savings Account Once You Turn Age 65
Making Your Money Last You’ll face a stiff penalty and taxes if you tap your health savings account for non-medical expenses before the age of 65. After that, the rules change.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
Reporting Charitable IRA Distributions on Tax Returns Can Be Confusing
IRAs Taxpayers need to be careful when reporting charitable gifts from their IRA on their tax returns, or they may end up overpaying Uncle Sam.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
Make the Most of the New Military Retirement Plan
retirement The government is offering a new retirement option so that service members who leave the military before qualifying for a pension can still receive some benefits.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
How Changes in Income Affect Medicare Premiums
Medicare Medicare beneficiaries can see their premiums go up if their income rises, although for some that increase will be only temporary.
By Kimberly Lankford Published