Q. I will be retiring from the U.S. Postal Service in September after 30 years. I started Roth deposits in my TSP in 2014. I know if I withdraw before five years (Jan. 1, 2019), the interest portion from the Roth part will be taxable along with the conventional part. If I withdraw monthly before Jan. 1, 2019, will the interest in the Roth portion become tax-exempt after Jan. 1, 2019, or do I have to wait until Jan. 1, 2019, to start withdrawals to keep the Roth portion tax-exempt later on?
A. Each monthly withdrawal is a separate event. Once you pass the relevant date, the Roth distributions will no longer be taxed.
