Can I withdraw from my IRA?

Before the age of 59 1⁄2, withdrawals from your IRA account would incur a 10% penalty on top of any taxes owed. 

However, there are several exceptions to be able to withdraw from an IRA without penalty:

• The IRA owner's disability according to IRS Code Section 72(m)(7) and IRS Publication 590.
• The death of the IRA owner.
• As a series of substantially equal periodic payments, made at least annually, to a Traditional IRA owner (inapplicable to Roth IRAs).
• Payment of non-reimbursed medical expenses that exceed 7 1/2% of adjusted gross income (AGI).
• Payment of medical insurance premiums after the IRA owner has received unemployment compensation for more than 12 weeks.
• Payment of a first-time home purchase (lifetime limit of $10,000).
• Payment of qualified higher education expenses for the IRA owner and/or eligible family members.
• Paying back taxes from an Internal Revenue Service levy placed against the IRA.