top of page

What are 72(t) Early IRA Distributions?

Do you need to access your retirement money early?

Maybe you just want to retire before you turn 60 and plan a lifelong income stream from the money you have saved and invested. You may be surprised to know that the Internal Revenue Service allows you a way to do this, provided you do it carefully. Usually, anyone who takes money out of an IRA or a retirement plan prior to age 59½ faces a 10% early withdrawal penalty on the distribution. That isn’t always the case, however. You may be able to avoid the requisite penalty by taking distributions compliant with Internal Revenue Code Section 72(t)(2). (1)


While any money you take out of the plan will amount to taxable income, you can position yourself to avoid that extra 10% tax hit by breaking that early IRA or retirement plan distribution down into a series of substantially equal periodic payments (SEPPs). These periodic withdrawals must occur at least once a year, and they must continue for at least 5 full years or until you turn 59½, whichever period is longer. (Optionally, you can make SEPP withdrawals every six months or on a quarterly or monthly basis.) (1)


How to Calculate SEPPs?

They must be calculated before you can take them, using one of three I.R.S. methods. Some people assume they can just divide the balance of their IRA or 401(k) by five and withdraw that amount per year – but that is not the way to determine them. (2)

The Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) method calculates the SEPP amount by dividing your IRA or retirement plan balance at the end of the previous year by the life expectancy factor from the I.R.S. Single Life Expectancy Table, the Joint Life and Last Survivor Expectancy Table, or the Uniform Lifetime Table. (1,2)

The Fixed Amortization method amortizes your retirement account balance into SEPPs based on your life expectancy. A variation on this, the Fixed Annuitization method, calculates SEPPs using your current age and the mortality table in Appendix B of Rev. Ruling 2002-62. (1,2)

If you use the Fixed Amortization or Fixed Annuitization method, you are also required to use a reasonable interest rate in calculating the withdrawals. That interest rate can’t exceed more than 120% of the federal midterm rate announced periodically by the I.R.S. (1,3)

There are some common blunders that can wreck a 72(t) distribution.

If you are taking SEPPs from a qualified workplace retirement plan instead of an IRA, you must separate from service (that is, quit working for that employer) before you take them. If you are 51 when you quit and start taking SEPPs from your retirement plan, and you change your mind at 53 and decide you want to keep working, you still have this retirement account that you are obligated to draw down through age 56 – not a good scenario. (1)

Once you start taking SEPPs, you are locked into them for five consecutive years or until you reach age 59½. If you break that commitment or deviate from the SEPP schedule or calculation method you have set, a 10% early withdrawal penalty could apply to all the SEPPs you have already made, with interest. (Some individuals can claim exceptions to this penalty under I.R.S. rules.) (3,4)

The I.R.S. does permit you to make a one-time change to your distribution method without penalty: if you start with the Fixed Amortization or Fixed Annuitization method, you can opt to switch to the RMD method. You can’t switch out of the RMD method to either the Fixed Amortization or Fixed Annuitization method. (2)

Citations

1 - irs.gov/Retirement-Plans/Retirement-Plans-FAQs-regarding-Substantially-Equal-Periodic-Payments [12/19/17] 2 - fool.com/retirement/2017/05/19/use-your-retirement-savings-early-with-substantial.aspx [5/19/17] 3 - thebalance.com/how-to-use-72-t-payments-for-early-ira-withdrawals-2388257 [9/20/17] 4 - military.com/money/retirement/second-retirement/early-retirement-options.html [5/7/18]

This post has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. Bob Lawson is not engaged in rendering legal or accounting services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.


Financial Plan | Personalized Report | Financial Advisor - Minneapolis

Barrington's Financial Blog

MRFC - PHOTOSHOP 151x104.png

About   |    Our Services   |    Financial Planning   |    Employer Retirement Plans   |    Contact

Litigation Support   |    Expert Witness   |    Pro Bono Services   |    Careers       

Barrington Capital Management, Inc.

3800 American Blvd West   |   Suite 1500

Bloomington, MN  55431

952-835-1000   |    800-741-0704   

Info@BarringtonCap.com

 

Barrington Capital Management, Inc. only conducts business in states and jurisdictions where it is registered or where an exemption from registration exists. This site and its contents do not constitute investment advice or a solicitation to sell securities. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This website is for informational purposes only and Barrington Capital Management, Inc. reserves the right to modify it at any time without notice. Copies of Barrington Capital Management Inc.’s Form ADV Part 2 are available upon request. Images and photographs are included for the sole purpose of visually enhancing the website. No photographs are of current or former clients and they should not be construed as an endorsement or testimonial from any of the persons in the photograph.

All materials used on this site, including all images, are copyrighted and are protected worldwide by copyright laws and treaty provisions. They may not be copied, reproduced, modified, published, uploaded, posted, transmitted, or distributed in any way, without Barrington Capital Management Inc.'s prior written permission.

Neither Barrington Capital Management, Inc., nor any of their Investment Adviser Representatives, provide tax or legal advice. Tax and legal advice should only be obtained from a qualified professional. All written content on this site is for informational purposes only. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with an advisor prior to implementation. Examples from our news feeds, blogs or articles do not take into consideration commissions, investment management fees, miscellaneous transaction fees, tax considerations, or margin requirements, which are factors that may significantly affect the economic consequences of a given strategy. Investors should review transaction costs, margin requirements and tax considerations with their financial or tax advisor before entering into any investment or financial planning strategy. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representations as to its accuracy or completeness.

Investment Advisory services are offered by Barrington Capital Management, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser in the state of Minnesota. Barrington Capital Management, Inc. may utilize the services of First Ascent Asset Management, LLC for certain investment portfolios. Insurance products and services are also offered through Barrington Capital Management, Inc., a licensed insurance agency. 

Disclosure: Barrington Capital Management, Inc. is not a law firm. Robert D. Lawson and his associates are not practicing attorneys. The scope of any activities performed by Robert D. Lawson, subcontractors or employees of Barrington Capital Management, Inc. is limited to litigation consulting and litigation support. 

By using this website, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. View our Business Continuity Plan.

Copyright © 2025 Barrington Capital Management, Inc.

A Registered Investment Adviser  |  All Rights Reserved

 

bottom of page