Do i need to make early withdrawals before age 72 1/2 to avoid tax penalties?

[GeorgeDenseff]

No -your first RMD must be taken by 4/1 of the year after you turn 72 (if you turn 72 after Jan 1, 2020). Subsequent RMDs must be taken by 12/31 of each year. If you don't take your RMD, you'll have to pay a penalty of 50% of the RMD amount.