Hi-

I have run into some financial problems and need to take money from an IRA. I understand there is a 10% penalty. I am in the 15% tax bracket. How much will I have to pay in federal and NJ State tax. The withdrawal is $25,000.

Thanks for your help---

FOUR WORDS: Do Not Do IT!

You start with a $2,500 tax which CANNOT be mitigated, which means that even if you have credits and exemptions that bring your tax liability to zero, you STILL have to pay the $2,500 tax that represents the 10% Early Withdrawal Fee.

Even though you are at 15% now, it is likely the $25K will push you into the 25% tax bracket, though I cannot say by how much.

You will pay somewhere between $3,750 and $6,250 in federal income taxes.

PLUS the state of NJ is going to tax that distribution as well.

In my opinion, it is NOT worth it.