Should I be paying tax on a Roth IRA withdrawal for 2024 if I only withdrew my CONTRIBUTION amount ($7000), NOT the EARNINGS?

[Umer-Mian]

In May 2024, I made the maximum contribution to a Roth IRA, $7000. In December 2024, my situation and I needed that money so I withdrew the CONTRIBUTION amount, i.e. $7000. My understanding was that this withdrawal would NOT be taxed because I only withdrew the CONTRIBUTION, not the EARNINGS. After entering the 1099-R into TurboTax, it's telling that I must pay tax in amount of 10% of the withdrawal, i.e. $700 in tax. Why is that?

[fanfare]

You have to tell TurboTax the amount of your contributions less any contributions taken in earlier years.

@Umer-Mian .

[DavidD66 · Accepted solution]

Withdrawals of your Roth IRA basis (the amounts that you contributed to your Roth IRA) can be withdrawn at any time without taxes or penalties.  Your 1099-R should have Distribution code - J in Box 7, which indicates "Early distribution from a Roth IRA, no known exception".  Your answers to the questions TurboTax asks you after you enter or upload your 1099-R will determine whether or not your withdrawal is subject to tax and/or penalty.  Review your 1099-R and make sure of the following:

• Box 2a - Taxable Amount is blank
• Box2b - Taxable Amount not determined is checked
• You answer YES to "Did this money come from a Roth IRA"?
• On the screen Enter Prior Year Roth IRA Contributions - Roth IRA Contributions prior to 2024 - The amount for contributions you enter must be at least as much as your withdrawal - $7,000.

You may need to delete your 1099-R in TurboTax and re-enter to access all of the questions.