With Roth 401(k)s, income taxes are not owed on the withdrawal of your contributions, but income taxes and the 10% penalty tax may apply on the withdrawal of earnings, unless an exception applies. It's important to keep taxes and penalties in mind when making an early withdrawal.
You may keep your contributions in the Plan and continue to build savings for retirement. However, you may withdraw your contributions if you: Have a Plan account balance of less than $5,000, exclusive of any assets you may have in a rollover account, AND. Have not contributed to the Plan in the last two years, AND.
The Plan differs from other defined contribution retirement plans (like a 401(k) or 403(b)), because it is designed and managed with public employees in mind. The New York State Deferred Compensation Board establishes and administers the Plan policies.
Currently (2025) the maximum allowable contribution is $23,500. Participants over the age of 50 can contribute an additional $7,500. If you are within three years of your normal retirement age, you may qualify to contribute more than the regular maximum under the Program's 3-year Catch-Up Provision.
You can't borrow from an IRA, and early withdrawals could incur taxes and penalties.
Distribution of earnings from the Roth 457 and 401(k) Plan before age 59½ or for a period shorter than five taxable years are subject to all applicable income taxes (Roth 401(k) distribution is also subject to penalties).