IRA withdrawals are considered early before you reach age 59½, unless you qualify for another exception to the tax. You can take distributions from your IRA (including your SEPIRA or SIMPLEIRA) at any time.There is no need to show a hardship to take a distribution. Before age 59½, the IRS considers your withdrawal (also called a "distribution") from these IRA types as an early withdrawal, triggering a possible tax penalty. The IRS allows you to make penaltyfree withdrawals from your traditional IRA once you reach age 59.5. Withdrawals must be taken after a five-year holding period. Guidelines for withdrawals. Withdrawals before age 59½. The IRS allows you to make penaltyfree withdrawals from your traditional IRA once you reach age 59.5. Withdrawals of Roth IRA contributions are always both tax-free and penalty-free.