Terms of Use    

Yes, contributions to a Roth IRA may be withdrawn tax- and penalty-free at any time, for any reason.

After the IRA has been established for five years, earnings on contributions may be withdrawn tax- and penalty-free, provided the owner meets any of the following specifications:
  • has reached age 59½
  • has become permanently and totally disabled
  • is deceased
  • is withdrawing the funds for first-time home purchase

First-time home purchase withdrawals are limited to a maximum withdrawal of $10,000.  The $10,000 you take out for your first home is a qualified distribution as long as you've had your Roth account for five years. This means you can take out your retirement money without penalty, and Roth earnings are tax-free.

If, however, your Roth IRA is a newer account, the withdrawal is an early distribution.  As with a traditional IRA early withdrawal, a Roth holder can use the first-home exception to avoid the 10 percent penalty, but might owe tax on earnings that are withdrawn.