Q. I’ve been making substantial contributions in the Roth TSP and plan to do so until I retire. I have a large sum in my non-Roth TSP account. I’ve read that when I begin to take TSP withdrawals in retirement, I cannot specify whether they come from the Roth or non-Roth TSP. I read that the withdrawals will be taken pro-rata from both forms of the TSP. Is that correct?
If I want my Roth TSP to grow for as long as possible, is there anything I can do to preserve it other than keep delaying all TSP withdrawals until age 70½? For example, may I transfer only my Roth TSP to a Roth IRA with a company like Vanguard?
A. Your understanding is correct. Your withdrawal(s) will be taken, pro-rata from both balances, but you may elect to transfer all or part of each payment to a corresponding (traditional or Roth) IRA wherever you like.
