# IRA Distributions > You can start taking penaltyfree and taxfree distributions once you reach the age 59 12 and the funds have been invested for 5 years Note that there are Source: https://help.titan.com/en_us/ira-distributions-rycwkFB9 Last updated: 2026-05-08T16:48:00.780Z At some point, you may want or need to withdraw money from your IRA–this is called a distribution. Distributions can look different depending on whether you have a Traditional IRA or a Roth IRA, and they may come with tax implications. If you’d like help initiating a distribution, simply message your wealth team through the Titan web chat or email support@titan.com. Our team will guide you through the process and handle the details for you. * * * ## **Traditional IRA Distributions** * **Penalty-free withdrawals:** Allowed once you reach age **59½**. Withdrawals are taxed as income in the year you take them. * **Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs):** You must begin taking withdrawals at age **73** (or 72 if born before 1951). The IRS requires this to ensure retirement accounts are eventually drawn down. * **Withholding:** You can choose to withhold part of your distribution for federal and state taxes. Federal withholding is voluntary; some states require withholding. **How RMDs are calculated:**The IRS uses your account balance at year-end and divides it by a “distribution period” from their Uniform Lifetime Table. Different tables may apply if your spouse is more than 10 years younger. The IRS provides worksheets to calculate your specific RMD. * * * ## **Roth IRA Distributions** * **Penalty-free and tax-free withdrawals:** Allowed once you reach age **59½** and the account has been open for at least 5 years. * **No RMDs:** Roth IRAs have no mandatory withdrawals during your lifetime. * **Withholding:** Federal and state tax withholding is voluntary, since distributions are generally post-tax. You may withdraw your contributions (but not earnings) at any time, tax- and penalty-free, once the 5-year clock has started. * * * ## **How to Request a Distribution** Simply reach out to your wealth team via the web chat or email support@titan.com, and we’ll submit the request for you. * * * ## **Frequently Asked Questions** ### **Why does federal withholding default to 10%?** The IRS default for IRA distributions is 10%. You can choose any amount from 0%–100%, but state rules may apply. Any withholding is reported on your **1099-R** as taxes already paid. ### **Why would I withhold taxes from my distribution?** Since IRA distributions are typically taxable, withholding upfront can prevent a surprise tax bill later. If you’re unsure how much to withhold, consult a tax professional. ### **Why am I asked about withholding on a Roth IRA?** It’s required to ask, but you may always elect **0% withholding** on Roth IRA distributions, regardless of your state of residence. ### **I don’t see my distribution reason as an option—what should I do?** Some qualified reasons (like a first-time home purchase, higher education expenses, or disability) aren’t listed. You can select **“Premature” or “Normal”** and then work with a tax professional on next steps. ### **What if my state requires withholding?** If you live in a state with mandatory withholding, you must meet those requirements. Certain states (Arkansas, Connecticut, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon) require an **extra signature** to elect 0%. Our team will provide the necessary form if this applies to you. ### **Are some distributions exempt from withholding?** Yes. Direct rollovers, recharacterizations, and transfers to another IRA are exempt. However, distributions to non-resident aliens or accounts with foreign addresses may have mandatory federal withholding. ### **Does withholding apply to all distribution methods?** Yes. Wire, check, ACH, journal transfers, Roth conversions – these are all are subject to the same rules. ### **Are sales inside my IRA taxable?** No. Reallocations (e.g., selling Flagship to Buying Power) within your IRA are not taxable. Taxes only apply when funds leave the IRA as a distribution. * * * ## **Key Takeaways** * Traditional IRAs: Withdrawals are taxable; RMDs required at age 73. * Roth IRAs: Withdrawals are generally tax-free; no RMDs. * You control how much tax to withhold, within IRS and state rules. * Distributions are easy to request through the Titan web—or we can do it for you. For questions about your personal tax situation, we recommend consulting a tax professional as the Titan team are not licensed tax advisors.