Definition
A distribution from a Roth 401(k) that satisfies certain requirements, resulting in the distribution being tax-free and penalty free. Distributions that are non-qualified may be subject to income tax on amounts attributable to earnings; the non-qualified distribution may also be subject to the 10-percent excise tax (penalty) unless an exception applies. A qualified distribution from a Roth 401(k) is defined as one that meets the following requirements:
1. It occurs at least five years after the Roth IRA owner contributed to his/her Roth 401(k) account (for instance, if the contribution was made for 2007, this five-year period begins January 1,2007)…and
2. Meets one of the following requirements
A. Occurs on or after the Roth 401(k) owner reaches age 59 ½
B. Occurs as a result of the Roth 401(k) owner is disabled (within the meaning or Internal Revenue Code Section 72(m)
C. Is distributed to the beneficiaries of the Roth 401(k) owner as a result of the Roth 401(k) owner being deceased.
Referring Cite
IRC §402A (d)(2)
Additional Helpful Information
·If an individual maintains multiple Roth 401(k)s with different employers, the five-year period for determining if a distribution is qualified is determined separately for each Roth 401(k) account
·Distributions from Roth 401(k)s include a pro-rated amount of basis and earnings
