• Roth IRAs are unique in that they do not have required periodic distributions, but there are still a number of rules and regulations that apply to withdrawals. Knowing when and under what circumstances you can receive a distribution from your Roth IRA without incurring an early-withdrawal penalty or being charged income tax can help you stretch your retirement savings even further.
  
  

No Required Distributions

• While other types of IRAs, like Traditional IRAs, require you to take a minimum withdrawal amount each year after you turn 70-1/2, a Roth IRA has no such requirement. In fact, you are not required to ever withdraw funds from a Roth IRA and can instead choose to bequeath your IRA to someone else at the time of your death.
  
  

Rules for Penalty-Free Distributions From Roth IRAs at Least Five Years Old

• Since Roth IRAs are funded with after-tax dollars, you are not charged income tax on your distributions, but you can be charged a significant early withdrawal fee (10% as of 2009) for unqualified withdrawals. In order to avoid this penalty, one of the following must be true: You must be at least 59-1/2 years old (as of 2010); you are disabled; you are dead (in which case your estate can withdraw the funds without penalty); or you are using the funds to purchase your first home.
  
  

Rules for Penalty-Free Distributions From Roth IRAs Less Than Five Years Old

• There are additional restrictions if you want to make a withdrawal and your Roth IRA was opened less than five years ago. You will be charged income tax on withdrawn earnings, but not an early-withdrawal penalty, if at least one of the following applies: You are at least 59-1/2 years old; you are disabled; you are dead (in which case your estate will avoid the penalty); you are using the funds to purchase your first home; you are using the money for qualified educational expenses; you are unemployed and using the funds to purchase health insurance; or you are applying the funds to unreimbursed medical bills.
  
  

Distributions Because of Death

• If you pass away and still have funds in your Roth IRA, your spouse may roll over the full amount into his or her IRA within one year of your death. If you leave your assets to someone besides a spouse, he must receive either the full IRA amount or one withdrawal within five years of your death; alternatively, he may elect to receive periodic distributions over the course of his (expected) lifetime within one year of your passing.