Retirees Risk Higher 2026 Taxes by Tapping Roth Accounts Before 59 1/2

7 articles · Updated · The Globe and Mail · May 29

Retirees who draw from Roth accounts first after age 59 1/2 can set themselves up for larger future tax bills, because traditional IRA and 401(k) balances keep growing until mandatory withdrawals begin.
Those bigger required distributions are taxed as ordinary income and can also push up Medicare premiums, creating a double hit of higher taxes and higher medical costs.
Before age 59 1/2, the article says taxable brokerage accounts are usually the safer source of cash because early withdrawals from IRAs, 401(k)s and Roth retirement accounts can trigger penalties.
After 59 1/2, it recommends starting withdrawals from traditional tax-deferred accounts sooner and leaving Roth IRA or Roth 401(k) money for last, since Roth withdrawals are tax-free and generally not subject to withdrawal mandates.

When does it make sense to break the rules and tap your tax-free Roth IRA before your traditional 401(k)?

Is tapping your traditional IRA first a costly mistake that could unexpectedly inflate your 2026 Medicare premiums?

How can you avoid the 2026 'tax torpedo' that targets both your Social Security benefits and your Medicare premiums?