Generally, early distributions from a retirement account are income and you must report it on your return. Generally, early distributions are those you receive from an IRA before reaching age 59½.IRA withdrawals are considered early before you reach age 59½, unless you qualify for another exception to the tax. Withdrawals before age 59½. Withdrawals of Roth IRA contributions are always both tax-free and penalty-free. If you're at least age 59½ and your Roth IRA has been open for at least five years, you can withdraw money tax- and penalty-free. See Roth IRA withdrawal rules. Generally, early distributions are those you receive from an IRA before reaching age 59 and one-half. If the IRS levies retirement accounts to satisfy an unpaid tax debt, the account owner is not subject to the early withdrawal penalty. Only Roth IRAs offer tax-free withdrawals.