Roth IRA early withdraw

[ggliverette]

I need some clarification please. I had an accountant tell me that since my Roth IRA retirement account was over 15 years old, I could take a withdraw, over and above the amount that I put into it, without paying any taxes. (I'm 56 years old)

But I'm seeing on TT that the only way it is tax free is if I'm 59 1/2 years old and the account is at least 5 years old.

Which is true?

[MaryK4]

A qualified distribution is any payment or distribution from your Roth IRA that meets the following requirements.

1. It is made after the 5-year period beginning with the first tax year for which a contribution was made to a Roth IRA 

2. The payment or distribution is:

   1. Made on or after the date you reach age 59½,

   2. Made because you are disabled

   3. Made to a beneficiary or to your estate after your death, or

   4. One that meets the requirements listed under First Home Exception

See What Are Qualified Distributions?