The employee can take just one emergency distribution per year, and the money can be repaid within three years. IRA withdrawals are considered early before you reach age 59½, unless you qualify for another exception to the tax.457(b) assets are not subject to an early withdrawal penalty. – Direct deposit is available. Required minimum distributions (RMDs) must be taken each year beginning with the year you turn age 72 (70 ½ if you turn 70 ½ in 2019). Bankrate has what you need to know. Payout options are flexible; partial lump-sum and systematic withdrawals are permitted. The short answer is that yes, you can withdraw money from your 401(k) before age 59 ½. 23 Penalty on early withdrawal of savings (federal Form 1040 or 1040-SR, Schedule 1, Line 18). 23. Your vendor must authorize the withdrawal.