IRAs are a key source of retirement income for countless Americans. If you have an IRA, it’s important to understand the tax rules regarding withdrawals. IRA distributions may or may not be taxable depending on the type of IRA you have. Traditional IRA withdrawals are taxable at ordinary income rates provided you wait until age 59 1/2; earlier withdrawals are taxed and also assessed a 10% penalty. Roth IRA withdrawals, on the other hand, are not subject to taxes. Unless you have a Roth, you’ll need to plan for IRA withdrawal taxes in retirement to avoid getting caught off guard.