Practice Question: Roth IRA Tax/Penalty-Free Distribution

Posted by Mike Long, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®

Aug 8, 2019

Mike, age 50, established a Roth IRA on 04/01/19, with a $5,000 regular contribution for 2018. What is the first possible year Mike will be able to make a tax-free, penalty-free distribution from the account?

  1. 2029
  2. 2023
  3. 2024
  4. 2019

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Correct answer: D. 2019

Instructor insight:

This question does not test the qualified distribution requirements, but instead simply tests a tax-free distribution, which is possible in 2019. All distributions, qualified or not, from a Roth IRA are ordered as follows:

  1. From regular contributions
  2. From conversions on a FIFO basis
  3. From earnings

While a distribution in 2019 would not be a qualified distribution, the first $5,000 to be distributed will be tax-free and penalty-free as a return of basis in the account.

 

Topics: Practice Questions