Roth TSP withdrawal

ripper

Member
I'm not sure how TSP handles withdrawals from the Roth TSP. I'm hoping that someone here can clear this up for me.

I plan on retiring from the USPS in 2015 under FERS with 30 years of service at age 60. At retirement, I plan on rolling over about 80% of my TSP to my current Traditional and Roth IRA's and receive a monthly distribution from my remaining TSP account.

I began contributing to my Roth TSP when it first became available. I remember reading that withdrawals from the Roth TSP aren't available until five years after opening the account. I also believe that you can't request a specific amount from the Regular or Roth and that all distributions are made in accordance to your contribution percentage.

I assume that this 5-year rule would mean that my monthly distributions would come only from my regular TSP funds until the time period for the Roth is satisfied. But will I be able to roll over my Roth portion immediately or will those funds be held per the time requirement?
 
I got my question answered by Ed Zurndorfer. Here's what he said:

"When you retire in 2015, you will be able to rollover all or part of your traditional TSP account to a traditional IRA. This will not be a taxable event provided that you request a direct transfer to your existing traditional IRA. You will also be allowed to transfer part of your traditional TSP to a Roth IRA. This will be a fully taxable event. Starting Jan.1, 2017, which is five years from Jan. 1, 2012 - the January of the first year that you contributed to the Roth TSP (2012), you will be able to request a one time direct transfer (tax-free) of all or part of your Roth TSP account to Roth IRA."
 
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