Should I take IRA withdrawals before required minimum distributions begin?
You are generally allowed to take money from a traditional IRA before required minimum distributions begin, and after the early-withdrawal age there is no additional tax for doing so. Each withdrawal is generally taxable income in the year you take it, except any part that returns nondeductible contributions.
Whether earlier withdrawals help is a planning question, not a rule. Some households use the years between retiring and RMDs to spread taxable income out; others have little reason to. Earlier withdrawals also add to the income that Social Security taxation and Medicare premiums look at.
The right approach depends on spending needs, account types, cost basis, tax brackets, RMDs, Social Security, Medicare, charitable plans, estate objectives, investment risk and market conditions.
Reviewed by Bay Area Wealth Advisors. Last reviewed 2026-10-02. Educational information only — not individualized financial, tax or legal advice.