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Level 2
posted Oct 22, 2025 1:53:25 PM

Roth conversion and distribution in the same year

What happens if you make a Roth conversion early in the year, but have to withdraw that amount later in the year for an emergency?

0 2 1997
2 Replies
Level 15
Oct 22, 2025 2:27:55 PM

If you are under age 59-1/2, you will pay the regular income tax on the conversion, and a 10% penalty for early withdrawal.  If you also withdraw earnings (increase in value in the Roth) that is also subject to regular income tax plus a 10% penalty.

 

If you are over age 59-1/2, you pay income tax on the conversion per the normal rules, but you don't pay an additional penalty for early withdrawal.  If you withdraw earnings, and the Roth IRA has been open less than 5 years, the earnings are taxable (but without the 10% penalty). 

Level 2
Oct 22, 2025 2:53:13 PM

I thought I read somewhere it was like it never happened. It is treated like just a distribution from the IRA instead of a conversion.