An Early Distribution Penalty is a fee you might have to pay if you take money out of your retirement account before reaching a certain age set by the IRS. Retirement plans like 401ks and IRAs are meant to help you save for the future, so the government adds this penalty to discourage people from withdrawing funds too soon. In most cases, if you take money out early, you’ll owe regular income tax on the amount, plus an extra penalty on top of that. There are a few exceptions where you can avoid the penalty, like for certain medical expenses, buying your first home, or becoming permanently disabled, but these exceptions have specific rules. It’s important to understand the penalty before taking early withdrawals, since it can significantly reduce how much you actually receive.