Retirement & Planning

72(t) Calculator

The IRS Rule 72T allows for penalty free, early withdrawals from retirement accounts. Use this calculator to determine your allowable 72T Distribution and how it can help fund your early retirement.

Inputs
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%
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Estimates only. Adjust any value to recalculate instantly.

Results
Annual SEPP distribution $24,702 $2,058.51/month, penalty-free at age 52
Account balance $400,000
Life expectancy 34.4 yrs
Annual distribution $24,702
As % of balance 6.2%
SEPP vs the remaining balance
SEPP vs the remaining balance Stays invested: $375kAnnual withdrawal: $25k
  • Stays invested $375k
  • Annual withdrawal $25k
Account balance Balance
Account balance: Balance $398k$298k$199k$99k$0 5253545556575859

A 72(t) SEPP avoids the 10% early-withdrawal penalty, but you must take the exact same calculated amount every year until the later of 5 years or age 59½ — modifying it triggers retroactive penalties plus interest. Set it up carefully with a professional.

SEPP distributions by age (through the 72(t) period)View table
AgeDistributionEarningsYear-end balance
52$24,702$22,518$397,816
53$24,702$22,387$395,500
54$24,702$22,248$393,046
55$24,702$22,101$390,444
56$24,702$21,945$387,687
57$24,702$21,779$384,764
58$24,702$21,604$381,665
59$24,702$21,418$378,381

How the 72(t) calculator works

It applies the amortization method: your balance is spread over your IRS single life expectancy at a permitted interest rate, producing the substantially equal annual payment you can take penalty-free before 59½.

Worked example

Worked example: with retirement account balance of $400,000, your current age of 52 and sepp interest rate (≤120% afr) of 5.00%, the 72(t) calculator (sepp) shows annual sepp distribution of $24,702.

Account balance
$400,000
Life expectancy
34.4 yrs
Annual distribution
$24,702
As % of balance
6.2%
How it scales
Retirement account balanceAnnual SEPP distribution
$200,000$12,351
$400,000$24,702
$800,000$49,404
$1,500,000$92,633

The formula

Annual SEPP = balance amortized over your life-expectancy years at the chosen rate (up to 120% of the federal mid-term rate).

Results are estimates for educational purposes and are not financial advice. Confirm exact figures with your lender, plan administrator or advisor.

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Frequently asked

Questions about the 72(t) calculator

What is a 72(t) SEPP?

A series of substantially equal periodic payments that lets you withdraw from a retirement account before 59½ without the 10% early-withdrawal penalty, under IRS rule 72(t).

How long must the payments continue?

Until the later of five years or reaching age 59½. Changing or stopping the payments early retroactively reinstates the 10% penalty on all prior distributions, plus interest.

Which method should I use?

The IRS allows the amortization, annuitization or RMD methods. Amortization (used here) usually gives the largest fixed payment. Set it up with a professional, as mistakes are costly.

Is the 72(t) Calculator free to use?

Yes. Every calculator on FinCalculators is completely free, with no sign-up, login or paywall. You can run as many scenarios as you like.