Retirement tax questions

Plus don't forget the state tax.  You can lose up to 50% of it. What is the 20% penalty?  Is that just for the tax withholding or is the 401k plan charging her a plan penalty?  If it is the 20% withholding that is not a penalty but just withholding like they take out of your regular paychecks.  You will get credit for it when you file your return.