Are IRA Distributions Taxable If You Are Disabled?
As a rule, any amounts you withdraw before age 59 1/2 from an IRA or retirement plan are generally subject to an early distribution penalty tax unless an exception applies.
One exception is when dealing with disabilities. Many financial organizations use code 3 of Box 7 on Form 1099-R to report these distributions and require documentation demonstrating the IRA owner meets IRS guidelines on disability.
What is the definition of disability?
Disability is an individual term, often defined by physical impairment that limits one or more major life activities and affects everyday functioning. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), this definition includes both visible and invisible disabilities that vary across individuals as well as gradual change over time.
This definition is very stringent, reflecting some of the criteria necessary for Social Security disability benefits eligibility. To qualify for the Age 59 1/2 penalty tax exception under ADA rules, an IRA owner must present documentation which fulfills these criteria.
A physician must certify that you are disabled and cannot work due to it, with your condition expected to last indefinitely or for an extended period. Most financial organizations accept letters from licensed physicians who meet this standard; some also request more detailed medical documentation.
Do I need a doctor’s statement?
If you withdraw money from an IRA or tax-sheltered account before age 59 1/2, any pretax amounts included are taxed as income in that year and subject to the 10% early withdrawal penalty unless an exception applies – disability can qualify you for such relief.
The IRS defines disability as physical or mental impairment that prevents you from engaging in any substantial gainful activity for an extended period of time, expected to remain permanent and long-lasting, or expected to lead directly to death. Your doctor’s statement must show this definition and indicate how it prevents any significant gainful activities being performed for long periods.
Financial organizations receiving distributions may use code 3 of Form 5329 when reporting disability exception distributions. When reporting such distributions, some organizations ask medical providers to complete the Physician’s Statement provided in Schedule R’s instructions regarding Credit for Elderly or Disabled individuals – although other forms of documentation could also be utilized.
Do I need to file a Form 5329?
Disabled individuals can take advantage of IRA distribution rules without incurring penalties; however, to do so they must comply with specific IRS rules and provide evidence from a doctor to support their claim.
Along with IRAs, this rule also applies to ABLE accounts and education savings accounts (ESAs) designed specifically for disabled individuals. If any distributions from these types of accounts are taken and not used toward higher education expenses or disability-related costs as intended – then such a sum would be considered taxable income subject to an additional 10% tax charge.
Rollovers may avoid the 10% penalty by being reported directly between custodians; this type of withdrawal must be reported using Form 5329 in order to claim disability exception from early withdrawal penalty.
How do I report a disability distribution?
IRS regulations permit IRA owners to take distributions from their retirement accounts without penalty when they experience physical or mental disabilities that are permanent or expected to last a long period of time. A condition which could reasonably be expected to recover from, or is simply considered a handicap and does not prevent substantial gainful activity is ineligible for this treatment.
Box 7 of Form 1099-R instructions stipulate code 3 (“Disability”) as an acceptable distribution code; however, some financial organizations prefer shifting responsibility of claiming exception from early withdrawal penalties to their clients by using code “1” (Early distribution with no known exceptions) on their forms.
In either situation, an IRA owner must provide evidence to meet the statutory definition of disability; such proof could come in the form of a letter from their physician.
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