Using an IRA Withdrawal for a Qualified Home Purchase

Aug 1, 2024 | Tax & Accounting

Purchasing a home is expensive, leaving many would-be buyers feeling cash-strapped. If that’s you, you might be considering taking some money from your traditional IRA to help fund the purchase. But should you? A 10% penalty normally applies to IRA withdrawals before age 59-1/2. The good news is that there’s an exception to the penalty for certain home purchases, subject to a lifetime limit of $10,000.

To qualify, you must be purchasing an eligible “first-time” principal residence for yourself, your spouse, your child, your spouse’s child, your grandchild, or your parent or other ancestor. In addition, neither you nor your spouse, if applicable, can have owned a principal residence within the two-year period that ends on the acquisition date. The acquisition date is the date you enter a binding contract to buy the home or the date the building or rebuilding begins.

Timing is critical. The funds must be spent to pay qualified acquisition costs within 120 days of the day you receive the withdrawal. Qualified acquisition costs include the costs of buying, building or rebuilding a home, plus any usual or reasonable settlement, financing, or other closing costs.

Contact the office with questions.

Recent Posts

What to Know If You Receive an IRS Notice

What to Know If You Receive an IRS Notice

Notices from the IRS are more common than you may realize. Each year, the IRS mails millions of letters to clarify information, confirm changes or request additional documentation. Receiving a notice may seem intimidating, but most notices can be addressed quickly...

Are College Scholarships Really Tax-Free?

Are College Scholarships Really Tax-Free?

Generally, scholarships received by degree candidates are tax-free to the extent they’re used for qualified tuition and related expenses. These include tuition, mandatory fees and required books, supplies and equipment. Amounts used for non-qualified expenses — such...