Q. I received a Voluntary Early Retirement Authority in 2012 at the age of 53. I chose to receive a monthly installment payout from my TSP for at least 10 years, believing I would not be taxed. I received a letter of deficiency from the IRS stating that I owe a penalty for not paying taxes on my TSP installments. Is this correct?
A. That’s a question for tax accountant, but if you did not follow the rules governing a Series of Substantially Equal Periodic Payments, you might owe the early withdrawal penalty. The rules are complex and you should engage a CPA to guide you.