What is the legal IRA withdrawal age?

As of 2014, an individual can legally withdraw money from an IRA at any time. However, the distribution is included in his regular income and may be subject to a 10 percent additional tax if he is under age 59.5. There are exceptions to the additional tax penalty.

Once an individual turns 70.5 years of age, he must begin taking required minimum distributions from his IRA each year. This amount is calculated by dividing the IRA's account balance as of the final day of the previous year by the applicable distribution period or life expectancy of the individual. Distributions may be taken while an individual still maintains employment.