Substantially Equal Periodic Payments (SEPP) The IRC allows those under the age of 59 ½ to withdraw from their 401(k) plans without the 10% additional penalty if they do so in the form of a series of substantially equal payments (SoSEPP) over their remaining life expectancy.
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.
Assets rolled over from your account(s) may be subject to surrender charges, other fees and/or a 10% tax penalty if withdrawn before age 59½.
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).
If you withdraw funds from a 401(k) before age 59½, you could be subject to a 10% penalty tax and lose some tax advantages. There are exceptions (see below). Between ages 73 and 75, depending on your birth year, you must start taking distributions from your 401(k).
State workers and some local government employees can save for retirement through the New York State Deferred Compensation Plan (NYSDCP). The NYSDCP offers traditional pre-tax and Roth 457(b) accounts.
However, early retirement carries a penalty of a permanent reduction in your retirement benefit at a rate of 6.5% for each year that you have retired prior to age 63.