Ah I guess I was confused then. I'm sorry if my question was a mess, OPERS doesn't really have much explaining this. So the CARES act would not be able to help me cover the penalty for refunding then also? I was under the understanding that I could claim a hardship for situations like not finding work during the pandemic and get any penalties waived. But you're right, that 20% tax withdrawal is most likely state law.
As far as I know I will be hit with a 10% fed penalty on that too, but now I'm even more confused seeing that OPERS told me that they only take the 20% tax withdrawal out of my refund and any penalty. Do I just get hit with a 10% fed penalty at tax filing time? Or am I crazy and there isn't a 10% penalty for pensions like OPERS? I just assumed it fell under other rules for other retirement funds like 401k's, but I really don't know much about these if I'm being honest.
I appreciate the help!
